I've been eagerly awaiting the arrival of my cross stitch magazines as my son hadn't been able to buy Crazy or Collection from a newsagent for me this month so when CS arrived I ripped the packaging and dived straight in.

However, I was really disappointed. I know the editors have a difficult task putting together a magazine that will appeal to the widest audience, and there are always items in any magazine that will not appeal to every one but... The Stargazers has appeared before in a slightly different format. The Patchwork winter FINALLY marks an end to the Bleu de Chine series that started so full of promise but seems to have gone on too long, again the heart looked as if it had appeared before. I know some people are fans of Lickle Ted, but I'm not. The Dalmation is be OK but I wouldn't stitch it. The ballerina was OK but not for me although I did like the Brenda Key cards. All in all this issue to me was a wasted opportunity.

Yet today the World of Cross Stitch arrived and it was totally different. I liked the free gift I'm not usually a fan of All our Yesterdays but this one appealed to me. The Signed Sealed Delivered Christmas cards are bright and made me want to start stitching them immediately. I liked the Shimmering Snowflake cushion. I thought the Gift Wrapped Ribbons are a good idea, although I won't be stitching them in the near future (Too many WIP's already) I also liked the star studded tableware As I said elsewhere not every item appeals to all and again I'm not a fan of Forever Friends, actually I'm not a fan of most of the licensed characters because there is very little chance to do anything out of the ordinary with them. Nevertheless for me this month WOCS wins out over CS, what a difference a day makes.

I got cross stitcher today and must admit that I think it has gone badly downhill over the past year. Not got my WOCS yet, hopefully tomorrow.

My wocs arrive today too, gave the all our yesterdays kit to my daughter Gayle so she can make it for her dad and his misses for Christmas. She is really pleased with it as she loves those type of designs.

I had my WOCS today and must say I am very disappointed. Infact Im so disappointed i have cancelled my subscription. I find it all cute designs and no grown up designs like you find in cross stitch collection and gold.

Still waitingon this months issue, it has been a little up and down of late.

all the mags are c/rap ,aimed at newbies, full of blue peter 1978 annual charts and print comments & snipits that i can read for free here and on craftbubble

Not had Cross Stitcher as yet but am really disappointed with it over the past year. I preferred the old style format, wish they would change it back. Miss Quick & Easy cross stitch too (old format).

On a brighter note I received my WOCS today and there are some lovely designs. Joan Elliot has exceeded herself again with the Victorian Christmas designs and I'm looking forward to next months free gift of the Nelson & Tibbs hardback diary with 12 designs to stitch

I no longer get Cross Stitcher as I cancelled my sub as I was not happy with it.

thats a shame as they are certainly not cheap lysp, must let Mrs P know that the new WOCS is out.

I got both magazines yesterday and thought both where good.I think Cross Stitcher as moved more towards my as call it grown designs and less licensed characters.I am planning to stitch all four heart cushions when I get a chance.I loved the Forever Friends design and will stitch it hopefully in time for Christmas.

I am not a fan of Cross Stitcher either. I rarely buy a mag but when I do it's Crazy or WOCS.

It's funny how we're all different, i've had my WOCS - was not impressed. I'm still waiting on xstitcher, but i have to say that x stitcher is my fave out of the 2

Cross Stitcher was always my favourite, and I've lost count how many years I've been a subscriber, however after the last 3 issues I've been really disappointed and cancelled my subscription

Didn't like cross stitcher either, nothing to stitch at all, but WOCS had some lovely Victorian designs. Wish there were less cutesy, I know lots of folk love them but I also know I'm not the only one that doesn't

I quite like cross stitcher this month. I will be stitching the football with the hat on for Neil, Lickle ted is cute and i really enjoy reading 'reviewed by you and Margaret Sherrys page.I like the cover kit too. I love WOCS this month too, there is a couple of the victorian xmas designs i want to stitch and love the signed, sealed and delivered cards

quote:

Originally posted by tenchy:
all the mags are c/rap ,aimed at newbies, full of blue peter 1978 annual charts and print comments & snipits that i can read for free here and on craftbubble

my sentiments too Tenchy, these days I just order a chart I like online, and preferably a downloadable one, cos Mr Postie here in darkest Africa nicks most of our stuff I'm still waiting for a parcel of DMC that left the States on October 8th. Grrrrr

Im still waiting for my copy to arrive

I have noticed my self that cross stitcher has changed but I do look forward to see what Margaret sherry designs will be in the mag.
I am thinking after christmas to have it stopped being saved at my papershop and also Cross stitch card shop as I dont think that is as good any more.

I think Crossstitcher has totally gone down hill over the last couple of years or so. There just never ever seem to be any decent designs in there to stitch or even make it worth buying the magazine anymore. Future publishing have just gone downhill when it comes to cross-stitch patterns ever since they axed Q&E Magazine. Don't know why, as Crossstitcher's still got the same Editor, so no change of Editor likes or dislikes reasons.

I only tend to buy cross stitcher if I see something on the cover that I really like. I always buy WOCS and CSC as they are so full of different designs and cater for most tastes.