One Stitch Ahead
Studies have shown that having warm hands can make a person feel warmhearted toward others. So warm up your fingers with a pile of fabric and floss, and get the feel-good benefits of cross stitching.
One of my warmest friends once suggested that I envision a peaceful scene to help me relax. She said she always imagines a beach scene with rolling waves when she wants to unwind. I, on the other hand, take a mind trip to a rustic cabin with birds chirping, water bubbling in a brook, and smoke curling out of a chimney.
To keep me and you, our readers, in a warm mood during cold winter days, I sought designs for this issue with the theme “Winter in the Woods.”
Inside you will find projects large and small to keep you busy indoors as the winter wind whips around outside. Dig in for the long haul with a snowy landscape using more than two dozen colors of floss. You can take a break from your WIP (work in progress) and work a quick-to-stitch project such as a bookmark or ornament.
No February issue would be complete without valentines. You will find hearts embedded in several designs, including My Heart Is True, a delicate heart-shaped pincushion.
Two new series begin in this issue. Two Mini Bunnies will arrive in each 2018 magazine. These little critters can be made into ornaments or placed in small frames. By the end of the year, you will have a cute design for every month that you can enjoy for years to come.
The other series, Lovely Bride’s Jewelry Roll, will be presented in three parts. This needlecase is shaped like an envelope and is adorned with delicate pink and green stitches. In this issue, you will find Part 1, which is the back of the needlecase. This is a beautiful project on its own if you choose not to make the entire piece. You can also make ornaments from the motifs. Parts 2 and 3 will appear in the April and June issues.
Relax, think warm thoughts, and enjoy your favorite hobby this winter. And as always …
Stay in stitches!