One Stitch Ahead
Happy New Year stitching friends! Welcome 2021! The Just CrossStitch team is excited to start another yearlong journey into the world of needlework with you.
To start out this issue, we have gathered a lovely collection of snowy scenes, friendly snowmen and unique takes on snowflake designs to help keep your needle and thread busy through these last months of winter. From the stylish Nordic Knitting wall hanging by Kathleen Berlew to the Frosted Windows set by blackwork expert Liz Almond to the handy Winter Snowflakes hand towel and coasters from Jane Chandler, there’s something for everyone!
You’ll also find creative designs that are ideal projects to show someone special how much you care. Choose from the sweet With Love Set by Gwendolyn Sheppard, the whimsical LOVE-ly Gnomes from Aaron Houston, or Cassandra Cavalca’s vintage-style ABCs of Love pincushion to share your love. Or say “Love You a Latte” with the colorful and fun four-piece Coffeehouse Love Collection from Frony Ritter.
For our historical sampler enthusiasts, Deborah Fasano, our Sampler Sleuth, is back to share the 1815 “On Youth” Reproduction Sampler. Be sure to read the interesting article that divulges a glimpse of stitching history from the early 1800s. To round out the issue, we’re excited to launch two fun SAL (stitchalong) projects! First, Christy Schmitz joins us with a six-part series sponsored by Sullivans USA that showcases a variety of specialty stitches to learn and perfect! From now to December, be sure to stitch along with us to build your stitching repertoire with exciting new stitches!
Second, Nancy Wahler is back with the My Quaker Christmas Sampler mystery SAL project that you’ll finish just in time for the holidays. If you enjoy being part of a stitching community, be sure to join Nancy’s Facebook group to share your progress and to meet other stitching friends!
As always, please keep posting pictures of your latest works in progress on our social media pages, or send a note and photo to us at Editor@ JustCrossStitch.com. We love hearing from you and seeing your projects!
Until next issue, my friends,
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6: 24–26