Cuddly Cats & Kittens in Cross Stitch [antikvár]

I IK J. ig/ntroductionT^he favourite stitch of our great-grand-mothers, cross stitch is becoming increasingly popular in these modern times for the decoration of household furnishings, linen and children's clothes. In fact, almost anything can lend itself to this type of embroidery, and what better subject can there be than the ever-popular cat? In this book, these two favourite themes are happily united, to offer a range of attractive and amusing projects which include cushions, photograph frames, tea towels, greetings cards, paperweights and much more.Cross stitch is very easy to learn; there are only a few simple basic rules, and once you have mastered these, you can attempt any design. As with any craft, practice makes perfect, and you will find that perfection is quickly achieved.Each cross stitch design is carefully charted and has an accompanying colour key and full instructions for making up the project. Also included is a Basic Skills section, which covers everything from how to prepare your fabric and stretch it in an embroidery hoop or frame, to mounting your cross stitch embroidery over card, ready for display.Some of the designs are very simple and are aimed at beginners; others are more challenging, with many colours and shaded effects for the more experienced stitcher, or for those who are eager to expand their skills.Whatever your level of skill or interest in the craft, you will enjoy being able to create items from the wide range of projects offered in this book, suitable for children and adults of all ages.g^asic skillsBEFORE YOU BEGIN_PREPARING THE FABRIC Even with an average amount of handling, many evenweave fabrics tend to fray at the edges, so it is a good idea to overcast the raw edges, using ordinary sewing thread, before you begin.THE INSTRUCTIONS Each project begins with a full list of the materials that you will require; Aida, Tula, Lugana and Linda are all fabrics produced by Zweigart. Note that the measurements given for the embroidery fabric include a minimum of 3cm (IV^in) all around to allow for stretching it in a frame and preparing the edges to prevent them from fraying.Colour keys for stranded embroidery cottons -DMC, Anchor or Madeira - are given with each chart. It is assumed that you will need to buy one skein of each colour mentioned in a particular key, even though you may use less, but where two or more skeins are needed, this information is included in the main list of requirements.To work from the charts, particularly those where several symbols are used in close proximity, some readers may find it helpful to have the chart enlarged so that the squares and symbols can be seen more easily. Many photocopying services will do this for a minimum charge.Before you begin to embroider, always mark the centre of the design with two lines of basting stitches, one vertical and one horizontal, running from edge to edge of the fabric, as indicated by the arrows on the charts.As you stitch, use the centre lines given on the chart and the basting threads on your fabric as reference points for counting the squares and threads to position your design accurately.WORKING IN A HOOP A hoop is the most popular frame for use with small areas of embroidery. It consists of two rings, one fitted inside the other; the outer ring usually has an adjustable screw attachment so that it can be