Maria has always had a
passion for needlecraft,
since learning to sew
as a child on her great-
grandmother’s Singer
machine. After art college
she landed a job as a
printer, which led to her
becoming DMC’s first
in-house designer. She
is now an independent
designer and lives in the
Midlands with her two
sons, Lincoln and Hudson.Meet the designer
Maria Diaz
Flamenco
beauty
Add a fiery Spanish flavour to your decor when you
stitch this stunning Flamenco dancer in full flow
Stitcher’s guide
This design is worked on 28-count cream
evenweave over two threads of the fabric
in 31 shades of cotton and two shades of
metallic thread. Cross stitch is in two strands
of cotton or metallic, with lots of fractional
stitches throughout. Half cross stitch is in
two strands of cotton, and backstitch is in
one strand of cotton or metallic. This project
is recommended for experienced stitchers.How to stitch the design
1
Find the centre of your fabric. Find the
centre of the chart and start stitching
here, working outwards.2
Work the cross stitch over two threads
of the fabric using two strands of
cotton or metallic. For every tiny symbol
on the chart, work a fractional stitch.3
Work the half cross stitch using two
strands of cotton.4
Work the backstitch using one strand
of cotton or metallic.5
Check over your stitching and prepare
for framing.“I’ve used deep, rich
colours to create a
scene full of drama
and intensity, bringing
the spirit of Flamenco
to life in stitches.”You will need
Fabric Zweigart 28-count cream evenweave
(3270/564) measuring 52x43cm
(10½x17in)
Threads Stranded cotton and metallic threads
as listed in the key
Needle Size 24 tapestry needle
Extras Frame and mount of your choice
with a minimum aperture of
37x28cm (15½x11in)FOR STOCKISTS’ DETAILS turn to page 59Spanish dancer