Page 30 - The World of Cross Stitching (February 2020)

Project Pet of the Month
Pet of the month
We know you’re huge fans of pets, so have us design a cross stitch of a beloved animal!
No.1
PET OF THE MONTH
pet
PET OF THE MONTH
Fun facts about border collies
• Border collies are very intelligent,
capable of learning many words and
commands, and love to work hard.
• Their name is from their origins
in Scotland’s border region and the
Scottish word for sheepdog (collie).
30 The World of Cross Stitching
Design
my pet!
Q Dear Durene,
I would love to
stitch my pet – he is a
blue merle border collie.
I have never managed to find a pattern
and wondered if you could help?
I’ve attached a photo of him.
Many thanks!
Victoria Sisson, via email
Durene says: Thank you for
A
sending in a photo of your border
collie Victoria. He is beautiful – such a
soulful, intelligent expression on his face,
and I love the blue merle colouring. I hope
you like my portrait of him.
I’ve used a range of delicate bluey-
grey shades to capture the distinctive
blue merle colour pattern, leaving a plain
white background so the fur really stands
out. This design uses whole cross stitches,
some fractionals for shaping and quite a
lot of backstitch detail to emphasise the
fur. I’ve also used a couple of white French
knots to bring out those captivating eyes.
We’ve made a sweet card with the
finished stitching here, but he would make
a fab picture, too – I’m sure you will give
him pride of place in your home! I hope
you enjoy stitching him, Victoria.
Shopping list
Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring
15x15cm (6x6in)
Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Size 24 tapestry needle
Square single fold card and patterned
backing paper of your choice from
• Famous fans have included local stores
Queen Victoria and Robert Burns.
• A border collie named Jumpy Thread & fabric cost
holds the Guinness World Record Approximately £12
for dog skateboarding: 100 metres
in less than 20 seconds! *For stockists see page 90
www.cross-stitching.com