Issue
99 We feature a splendid, classic blue and white
design in Cross stitch. Also in Cross stitch are antique
textile designs, a clematis alphabet, a village sunset,
hockey players and part two of our colourful alpine
collection. Discover the delights of Caron collection
threads in our Masterclass and stitch an intricate
band sampler in Hardanger.
Feature Designs
Clematis
Alphabet
Each letter of this alphabet is made up of trellis
and our favourite climber, the clematis. These
bold, purple flowers emerge every year from nothing
more than twigs, to cover walls, arches and fences.
Great for monograms and initials - why not make
a word or phrase for a gardener too?
Hardanger
Harmony
Hardanger fans will adore this sampler as it
has a wide variety of stitches and fillings.
These look all the more delicate thanks to the
Quaker cloth creating a finer appearance. The
surface stitches take on a new lease of life
on the slightly smaller scale and the crisp,
Scandinavian lines will look good in any home.
Alpine
Collection Part Two
Above the tree line and below the snow-capped
peaks, somehow these delicate blooms survive.There
is a tremendous variety of fragile-looking alpines,
all of which thrive in the exposed terrain and
pockets of soil. Stitch these miniature marvels
on fine Congress cloth and have a permanent
display of alpines all year through.
Hues
of Blue
The classic combination of blue and white is
found on a myriad of ceramics from Delft to
Wedgewood. The ceramic painters used a range
of shades in one colour to give designs a sense
of depth and texture on a flat surface. In stitiches,
the result is even more effective and this design
will be an eye-catching addition to a kitchen
or dining room.
Oriental Impressions
The richness and sheen of Caron Collection threads
are unmistakeable. The Impressions threads used
in these Oriental style textile designs are made
from wool and silk, making them a delight to use
and creating a soft yet durable finish. Savour
stitching a luxury rug for your dolls' house or
a matching cushion for your own home with these
exquisite yarns.
Village
Sunset
As the sun sets over this village, the residents
must be looking forward to a fine day's weather
according to the 'red sky at night' proverb. The
tops of the trees and the village skyline are
all visible in the evening glow, an idyllic and
tranquil scene that can be found from Land's end
to John O'Groats that will find a place in any
home.
Use It or Lose It
Part 3
One of the loveliest selections of threads,
particularly hand-painted ones, that have come
to us in the last few years is the Caron Collection.
There are now many different qualities from
which to choose, but amongst the most sumptuous
are Impressions - 50% wool, 50% silk and Waterlilies
- 100% silk. The first of these is the most
beautifully tactile thread I have ever used.
The latter has, of course, all the qualities
that pure silk brings, which are never equalled
by imitations. Combined in one sampler style
embroidery, the ways in which they complement
each other is brought to the fore. Why not treat
yourself to a little luxury, and perhaps a new
experience in stitches and thread.
The Hockey Player
For most of us, hockey was a form of torture
at school rather than a sport and the fear of
being hit across the shins kept most of us cowering
at the sidelines. There were always a certain
few though who took to the hectic pace and ferocious
tackling with ease. For those brave souls, why
not stitch this hockey game freeze frame?
Hues
of Blue
