Issue
96 Capture the essence of spring with part one
of The Height of Spring bell pull in Cross stitch.
Also in Cross stitch are the magnificent flying machines
and designs inspired by cottage garden sweet peas.
Weave a stunning beaded necklace or stitch a Hardanger
runner. Last but not least is the final part of Blackwork
Britain.
Feature Designs
The
Height of Spring Part 1 While we are distracted by the cold and
dark of winter, beneath the ground bulbs and seeds
are preparing to burst into bloom. Celebrate their
welcome arrival and stitch this blossoming bell
pull, full of the signs of spring. This design
is the perfect companion to the Height of Summer
bell pull in issues 76 and 77 as well as the Height
of Autumn in issues 90 and 91. Look out for the
Height of Winter in issues 106 and 107 to complete
this wonderful series of bell pulls.
Midnight
Glamour It looks like the trend for beads on
the fashion pages is set to continue for some
time yet, but who needs such an excuse to make
and wear such tactile and beautiful beading?
This fringed beaded band makes a great addition
to an evening wardrobe, adding a contemporary
look to a favourite, classic little black dress.
Norwegian
Blooms This Hardanger design is decorated with
a central floral panel and the contrast of pure
white on blue really lets your stitching shine
through. Give any table or dresser an instant
new look with this runner which is both pleasing
to the eye and the needle.
Flying
Machines In 1783 the Montgolfier brothers were the
first humans to fly and a century later there
were all sorts of flapping, floating and flying
machines. A hundred years later again and there
are jets, rockets and space shuttles - imagine
what will be in the air in 2083! Cross stitch
these aviation antiques and wonder how they ever
got off the ground.
In
the Pink With so many different colours and variations,
sweet peas are one of our favourite garden flowers.
With old fashioned varieties and new there are
sweet peas available in every shade and hue. These
single bloom and posy designs will brighten up
a bedroom or bathroom, making a wonderful spring
time gift.
More Laid Work Patterns on Counted Fabric This pincushion design uses patterns
one and four from the first part of this Masterclass
on Laid work (issue 95). The colours have been
changed and the shapes are not rectangular which
adds a few minor complications to the working
of the stitches.
The Real Counties of Britain Part 4 The first part of this magnificent design
featured in issue 93 with the counties of the
north of Britain. All these counties were 'real'
or original ones as over the past hundred years
most of them have been altered and some abolished
altogether. Traditionally counties were designated
by natural boundaries such as rivers or hills.
However, in recent history, counties have become
administrative regions, rather than the natural
provinces they once were. This map features
the real counties of Britain, some dating back
before the Norman Conquest, rather than those
used by county councils, local government or
the post office.
Measuring nearly 26 ins x 40 ins (65 cms x 100
cms), this is the biggest Blackwork project
ever to appear in New Stitches. It
will make a rewarding embroidery to treasure.
