30 The World of Cross Stitching http://www.cross-stitching.comPet of the Month
Pet of the month
We know you’re huge fans of pets, so have us design a cross stitch of a beloved animal!
Q
Dear Durene,
I would love to
stitch my pet – he is a
blue merle border collie.
I have never managed to find a pattern
and wondered if you could help?
I’ve attached a photo of him.
Many thanks!
Victoria Sisson, via emailA
Durene says: Thank you for
sending in a photo of your border
collie Victoria. He is beautiful – such a
soulful, intelligent expression on his face,
and I love the blue merle colouring. I hope
you like my portrait of him.
I’ve used a range of delicate bluey-
grey shades to capture the distinctive
blue merle colour pattern, leaving a plain
white background so the fur really stands
out. This design uses whole cross stitches,
some fractionals for shaping and quite a
lot of backstitch detail to emphasise the
fur. I’ve also used a couple of white French
knots to bring out those captivating eyes.
We’ve made a sweet card with the
finished stitching here, but he would make
a fab picture, too – I’m sure you will give
him pride of place in your home! I hope
you enjoy stitching him, Victoria.Design
my pet!
Project
- Border collies are very intelligent,
capable of learning many words and
commands, and love to work hard. - Their name is from their origins
in Scotland’s border region and the
Scottish word for sheepdog (collie).- Famous fans have included
Queen Victoria and Robert Burns. - A border collie named Jumpy
holds the Guinness World Record
for dog skateboarding: 100 metres
in less than 20 seconds!
- Famous fans have included
Fun facts about border collies
PET^OFTHE^ MONT
HPE
T
OF(^) THE^ MO
N
TH
No.^1
pet
Shopping list
Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring
15x15cm (6x6in)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Size 24 tapestry needle
Square single fold card and patterned
backing paper of your choice from
local stores
Thread & fabric cost
Approximately £12
For stockists see page 90