36 The World of Cross Stitching
Your Questions Answered
http://www.gathered.how/woxsQ
When should we
receive subscription
copies in the US? I know
it’s a while after the UK,
but I wondered if there
was a timescale so I know
when to expect it.
Valerie Watkinson,
via Facebook
Hannah: Subscription
deliveries in the US usually
occur between 6-8 weeks
after the UK on-sale
dates, but can be up to
10 weeks depending
on USPS. If you wish to
enquire about timings or
think you’re missing an
issue, do get in touch with
our friendly subscriptions
team.QU ICK
Q&A
I
saw a lovely pattern
of a Highland cow
being stitched by a lady
on Facebook. I’m not sure
what issue it is from, but
was wondering if I can
still buy a copy?
Lucy Stubbington,
via email
Heather: These Highland
cows are just adorable,
aren’t they? You can
find this cute twosome
designed by Amanda
Gregory in The World of
Cross Stitching issue 286
(Nov 2019). Check out
Buy Subscriptions* to see
physical copy availability,
or download this issue
digitally via our app.Highland cows
This fabulous Scottish breed
is brought to life in stitchesAnna Griesacker:
I love SALs! I find some
online and some through
magazines. Shopping for the
fabric and floss is part of the
excitement. I like to choose
my own fabrics and I typically
stay with the pattern’s
recommended colours.Kelly Wells: My advice is
to join a Facebook group, as
half the fun is chatting about
it and seeing everyone’s
creation and their take on it
if they change colours.Shannie Dilworth: The
best thing I suggest is to have
fun and do it at your own
pace, but always remember
to show off your progress!Karen Gavin: I only
found out about them
recently – I googled SAL and
found a site with a lot listed.
So I looked at this year’s and
chose two – one I paid for
and one was free.Alyssa Feller: If I find out
about a new SAL I will usually
wait until at least two parts
are out before jumping in, to
make sure that it’s a pattern
that I will want to stitch long-
term. I find out about most of
them on Facebook.Claire Fisher: Have fun,
join in with the group and
don’t worry about not doing
a part before the next is
released. It’s not a race andthere are no prizes for being
first past the post.Wendy Wilson: My
advice is to ensure you love
the design, as this will keep
you motivated. I also join
the Facebook page which is
very interesting, not least to
see other people’s work and
colour choices.Find us on Facebook
and join in with the
chat. If you’re lucky,
your tip might appear
here! Just log on to
http://www.facebook.com/The
WorldofCrossStitching
and hit ‘like’ at the top
of the page!Friendly advice
We asked our Facebook fans for their tips on joining and
taking part in a Stitch-A-Long. Here’s what they said...Q
I have never done cross stitch, but I’m
wondering how do you get the
pattern from the magazine onto the canvas
or fabric? Thank you for your help and any
other tips to get started.
June Edge, via emailA
Fiona: Welcome to the wonderful
world of cross stitching, June – you’ve
come to the right place! Unlike embroidery
or tapestry, cross stitch is counted from
the charts onto your fabric as you stitch.
Its full name is actually ‘counted cross
stitch’. As a beginner, I’d recommend
using aida, as it’s formed in ‘blocks’ for
easy counting. One block of aida equates
to one cross stitch. To start, find the
middle of your fabric by folding it in half
both vertically and horizontally, then
begin stitching where the two creases
meet. Look for the closest stitch to the
centre of the pattern, indicated by the
gridlines, and make this stitch at the
corresponding point in the fabric. You
may find it easier to tack 10x10 gridlinesacross your aida before you begin, which
makes counting easier – or you can buy
Zweigart* Easy Count aida, which has the
grid marked on and washes out after
you’ve finished. Refer to our ‘How to...’
guide at the back of every copy of the mag,
for tutorials and tips on the various stitches.
It may seem intimidating at first, but
counting will soon become second nature.
Good luck and enjoy your new hobby!TECHNIQUE FOCUS
KNOW- HOW
Back to basics
Back to basics
Gridded aida is a great choice
of fabric for absolute beginners