Your questions answered
THE EXPERTS
JO BENNER
Jo is an experienced
stitcher and knitter, who
writes for several craft
magazines. She’s on
hand to help with chart
queries and stitching
know-how, as well as
product questions.FIONA BAKER
Fiona is the Technical
Editor for Cross Stitch
Gold and our sister
magazines. She is
a talented cross stitch
designer too, and can
answer any of your
stitching queries.HEATHER NUGENT
Heather is the Charting
Editor for Cross Stitch
Gold and our sister
magazines. With a
passion for stitching and
sewing, she is here to
help with charting and
making-up questions.presents made, wrapped and in
the present cupboard as soon
as possible! Can you find me an
heirloom gift, please?
Molly Penrose, Lancs
A
Heather: You can't go
wrong with Winnie
the Pooh – he's an old
favourite, and this bunting will
be a fab decoration for any
nursery or bedroom for years
to come. The finished length of
this bunting is 1.5metres and
it features five 'swallowtail'
pennants, which make a
change from the usual
triangle. Everything you
need to stitch it is in the
kit including the needle,
thread and hanging cord.
To buy it for £16 go to
if you do end up storing
your cross stitch before
baby arrives, just remember
to make sure it is perfectly
dry, then wrap it up in acid-
free tissue paper before
placing it in a box.
Babushka
Q
My daughter
loves cross
stitching
but finds it difficult
to find the holes
sometimes. She is
10 years old so I
would like to find
her a kit that isn't
too childish, but more
simple for her to stitch.
Suzanne Browne,
Bishops Auckland
A
Fiona: Most children
have played with
nesting dolls, so this kit
Q
My friend is a keen
cross stitcher and
also loves 'mindful',
inspirational quotes. With her
birthday coming up, I thought I
would try and get her a kit or a
chart with a beautiful saying on
it. What would you advise?
Miriam Flagge, Gateshead
A
Jo: Better than one
kit or chart would
be a whole book
of inspirational sayings!
Cross Stitch for the Soul by
Emma Congdon has 20
different designs to choose
from. The typography in
this book is modern but
traditional at the same
time, and would suit any
home – as would the
sayings. Created by a
top designer to promote
creativity and positivity, you
can't go wrong if you buy
this as a gift. Take a peek at
the designs before you buy
(for £16.99) at http://www.amazon.
co.uk. Happy stitching!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
of a Babushka will
remind them of
happy times. Your
daughter should
have a happy
time stitching
it as well, as
the pattern is
screen-printed
onto the canvas
so there's no
counting of stitches!
The kit comes with
a gold needle and
100% acrylic yarn which won't
fray and will be easier to use.
There are detailed stitching
The designs in Emma's book will
bring a positive feel to any spaceThe finished size of
this cushion is around
40x40cm (16x16in)Stitch an heirloom gift for a new babyAsk the experts
Send your questions to [email protected] or Ask the experts,
Cross Stitch Gold, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST
Baby bunting
Q
My brother and his wife
are expecting a baby
in the autumn, which
gives me a bit of time to make
a present for the new arrival.
It would be lovely to make
something with the baby's name
on it, but they're keeping this
to themselves. I don't want to
add a name later – I like to get