Cross Stitch Gold 00020

Winter topiary

greenery

Add elegance to your home this winter with Maria Diaz's exquisite seasonal topiary design laden with Christmas roses, holly and fir

33 x 17.5om (13 x 7fn)

FOR STOCKISTS' DETAILS tum to page 51

MEET THE

DESIGNER

MARIA DIAZ

After Maria gained a degree in fine art, she began a career as a freelance designer. She contributes to cross stitch magazines and kit companies.

One of the special pleasures of the winter season is its foliage. I particularly love the way the deep, strong colours of evergreens are set against the brilliance of the berries. For this design I have contrasted the dark greens of the fir and holly, and the rich, red berries, with the delicate, white Christmas roses. I have finished it off with trails of ivy spilling over the edge of the rustic Container. To give it that added seasonal sparkle, I have used metallic silver backstitch to pick out the frosty highlights on the fir branches. Not for the faint-hearted, but l’m surę you'll find it well worth the effort!

Stitcher's guide

Our sparkling winter topiary should appeal to stitchers everywhere. It is stitched over two threads on 28-count white evenweave fabric to bring out the crispness of the design. Stranded cotton, shimmering rayon and shining silver metallic thread give the design added icy sparkle and seasonal charm. Whole cross stitch, half cross stitch, and fractional stitches are used, as well as backstitch in several different shades. The background behind the topiary is stitched in half cross stitch, which should be satisfying to stitch, as it will grow quickly.

This design is best suited to experienced stitchers who like enhancing their stitching with rayon and metallic threads.

You will need

FABRIC 28-count white

THREADS Str,

NEEDLE

FRAME A framę and mi

How to stitch the winter topiary

IFind the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Fol Iow the '0' gridlines on the chart to find its centre. Start stitching from here in the middle of the fabric.

2 Work the cross stitch using two strands of cotton over two threads of the fabric. Add the half cross stitch using two strands of thread.

3 Add the backstitch. It is worked in different shades, so check the key to see which to use. Use one strand of cotton, or two strands of metallic thread.

4Check over your finished stitching before preparing it for framing.

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with a minimum aperture of

How to keep metallic and rayon under control

Many stitchers can find it tricky stitching with metallic and rayon thread, as they have different elasticity to stranded cotton, and can be quite springy and difficult to control. A good way to tamę these threads is to run them through a damp sponge to moisten them before you stitch, which will help them lie fiat as you stitch. Stitch with shorter lengths than you would with stranded cotton, especially when stitching with metallic thread, as this is prone to twists and tangles. !t's also a good idea to move the needle along the thread while you are stitching, to stop the thread from being damaged by rubbing against the eye of the needle.

Gold Stitching Tip /

Why not stitch the winter topiary as'a Christmas gift for a friend, and present it to them with a homemade Christmas wreath of pine, holly and white roses to match the topiary?

20 Cross Stitch Gold