Issue
122 This issue features the Tower of London - a stunning
piece of history in Cross stitch. There's also a collection
of Quaker-style sampler motifs inspired by the 18th
century Ackworth School. Create an explosion of colour
with Crimson Flower, our modern Cross stitch design
in abstract style. Stitch a vibrant American Hummingbird
hovering at a thistle flower and experiment with two-tone
Blackwork Butterflies in this month's Masterclass. Don't
miss part two of our majestic Gods of Egypt series,
and more beautiful Church Tile designs - this time with
variegated threads and Hardanger.
Feature Designs
The
Tower of London Founded nearly a millennium ago by William
the Conqueror, the Tower of London has been improved
and expanded over the centuries. It has served
as a castle, fortress, prison and palace and today
is a world-famous museum housing the Crown Jewels.
This Cross stitch design captures the magnificence
of the Tower, its many shades giving life, depth
and perspective.
Crimson
Flower This dramatic Cross stitch design is
an explosion of reds, purples and pinks. With
flame-like petals full of deoth and vibrancy,
the floral picture has the feel of a modern
abstract painting.
Gods
of Egypt Part
2 Part two of our majestic collection of
the gods from ancient Egypt. In vibrant colours
with a hint of blending filament, stitch these
figures complete with their elaborate costumes
and symbols. Part two features Hathor, mistress
of heaven, Horus, the falcon god, Amun, the
'hidden' god and Anubis, the jackal. This is
a large Cross stitch project with a result to
be very proud of.
American
Hummingbird This wonderful Cross stitch picture shows
a hovering hummingbird, sipping nectar from a
colourful thistle flower.
Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world
and can beat their wings an amazing 60 to 200
times per second. With your own flying stitches
you can complete this card in around two weeks
of evening stitching.
Heavenly
Gifts Here are more striking designs based on
the 19th century floor tiles found in many British
churches. The geometric patterns and fleur-de-lis
motifs are an echo of medieval times.
The Cross stitch coasters use vibrant colours
of Caron variegated threads and can be completed
in just one evening each. There are also beautiful
Hardanger designs to decorate gift boxes, worked
in delicate shades of cream.
Two Tone Blackwork Blackwork, traditionally worked in black
or a dark shade on light fabric, needs contrast
with its background in order to show to its
greatest effect. Light colours on a dark background
also work well as they retain the monotone scheme
allowing the shades formed by the Blackwork
patterns to give the embroidery depth and texture.
We looked recently at working Blackwork patterns
in more than one colour and, although the tonal
values are mostly lost, the effects can be very
pleasing. But how about two tones of the same
colour? Will they work on light, medium and
dark fabrics. One simple design and a few stitches
amples gave quite a few answers.
Ackworth School Samplers The Ackworth School in York was a boarding
school founded by the Quakers in 1779. These
sampler motifs, each worked in a single strand
of thread, are in the distinctive style of the
Ackworth School. Stitch an alphabet with bold
Roman letters and 'medallions' with paired doves
and decorative floral motifs. Achieve striking
effects - either monochromatic or full of colours
with variegated threads.
