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This issue is packed with projects to keep you busy. Take
this pair of dramatic scenes with atmospheric clouds and
rainbows, worked with half stitches on cross stitch. Learn
a needlelace technique from the Emerald Isle with our Carrickmacross
Masterclass from lace expert Veronica Stuart. Brighten up
dull winter days with some exotic tropical colour with some
quick stitch cards. Stitch a wonderful Lagartera clockface
or omit the numerals for a circular design. There is a traditional
style sample in faded tones and the first part in our leaves
series.
Feature Designs
Natural Light
The dramatic and atmospheric aspects of the
weather are cleverly depicted in these two lakeside
scenes. The morning sunshine breaking through
cloud and a rainbow at dusk are fleeting images
that are captured in Cross stitch for posterity.
The shafts of sunlight and the rainbow are worked
in half Cross stitch on top of full cross stitch
to achieve a translucent effect.
Faded
Beauty
Although many samplers were originally stitched
in vivid hues, over time, their brightness gently
fades to subtler tones which can be just as,
or if not more, attractive than the original.
This traditional-style sampler with its alphabet
and variety of borders is a ‘ready-aged’
embroidery with pastel threads and parchment
fabric. With just seven shades in this design,
you could decide to re-create a ‘just-stitched’
look and opt for a paler fabric and bright threads.
Tropical
Colour
Get ahead with birthdays and other special occasions
for the coming year by stitching these quick
cards. They take very little time and make the
perfect project to take a break from a larger
embroidery. Full of colour, they will brighten
up the dark months and give a sense of satisfaction
with a quick finish and being prepared for unexpected
or forgotten occasions!
Lagartera
Time
A new way to display embroidery is always welcome
and we were delighted to discover a wall clock
that would do just that. With a solid wooden
frame and brass-effect hands, it will complement
all types of embroidery. This series begins
with a blue and white Lagartera design that
includes the technique’s key features
of satin stitch motifs and fronds. It would
be very easy to opt for alternative shades of
fabric and thread to match your home décor.
Alternatively, if you have no need of a clock,
the main part of the design, with the numerals
omitted, will make a fine table mat.
Autumn
Leaves
The effects achievable in Cross stitch are perhaps
as varied as those seen in nature. This series
of design explores the different looks a basic
leaf shape can take with a variation on stitch
and thread. You can develop this idea further
by creating an outline of any size and shape
and choosing one of these ways to decorate it.
Carrickmacross Masterclass
Discover this unique form of Irish needlelace
from the town of Carrickmacross. Thread is couched
onto a sandwich of net and organdie to form
the pattern and the excess organdie is carefully
snipped away to reveal the design. These step
by step instructions will have you creating
a delicate fuchsia design in no time.