We’ve challenged three designers to use only the materials given to them to create a summery hanger with a heart shape…
If you’re looking for an excuse to create a cross stitch decoration, then this is the challenge for you! With summer nearly upon us, we challenged our designers to create a suitable design for a hanger. The designers, as usual, could only use the seven shades of stranded cotton we gave them, and they had to work within the shape of the heart-shaped template we gave them. Take a look at their pretty results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for Summer – we’ve listed everything you need to take part.
THE CHALLENGE
• White aida fabric
• 7 shades of DMC stranded cotton (shown above)
THE RULES
• Create a design for a heart-shaped hanger
• The design should be no larger than 52 x 52 stitches
• Only the materials above can be used
• Be creative as possible!
CHERYL MCKINNON… SEASIDE COTTAGE
I was imagining a little cottage by the sea, with summer flowers and grasses blowing in the wind. The yellow and brown in this palette were perfect as stucco and a thatched roof, and the symmetrical flowers fill in the heart shape nicely around it.”
MARIA DIAZ… BEACH HUTS
These hearts are always the sort of thing I seem to see when I stay in cottages by the sea, so what better than a few beach huts to bring some summer cheer and watch the waves roll in.”
FIONA CROUCH… RETRO LANDSCAPE
My summer landscape has a nod to the wonderful pottery of Clarice Cliff. The simplicity of the clouds and landscape, along with the colours makes for a simple summer scene from years gone by.”
Make a…hanging heart decoration
Step 1
MAKE a heart template from the template opposite. Hold the stitched heart up against a window, then pin the template to the back of the stitching. Pin the backing fabric right-sides together on the stitching.
Step 2
WITH the template still in position, tack then sew around the edge of the heart template, leaving a gap on one side for turning through.
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