Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2017 i Cross Stitch Crazy

... to the June issue of Crazy! Inside you’ll find 112 fabulous charts to inspire your stitching, plus enjoy your free gift this month – a peacock threadsorter! Give it a whirl using the charts on page 8 and use your threads to stitch all three. Turn to page 10 to see our unusual cover stars Wallace & Gromit take centre stage! I have many fond memories of watching these characters with my dad, which is why I thought they would make a lovely project for Father’s Day. If you’re looking for card ideas for your dad, we also have some fun gardening-inspired charts over on page 37 for you to try. Elsewhere in the issue, Lee Holland returns with a set of very cute animals with jobs on page…

PLUS THREE FREE CHARTS! GIFT AVAILABLE with print edition of issue 01795 229 only CALL 414 717 TO BUY With their beautiful plumage and elegant silhouette, peacocks must be one of nature’s most spectacular birds. This month, you can add a touch of luxury to your stash with your very own peacock threadsorter – plus 24 gorgeous threads to get you started! To use, simply gather all the threads you need for the chart you plan to stitch and cut each skein into lengths. You can make the lengths as long or as short as you like – we tend to cut it into 40cm lengths, approximately as long as a forearm. Hold all the cut lengths of one skein together and loop them through a hole in the peacock…

Pop on a box set of The Vicar of Dibley and start stitching your own portrait of the lovely Dawn French – now that combination is sure to raise a smile! Whether you’re a fan of Dawn as Britain’s funniest female vicar, or prefer her antics on awardwinning sketch show French and Saunders, this month’s celeb is sure to make a jolly addition to your collection. Stitch this portrait to celebrate her 60th birthday this year, then hang the finished design on your wall as a reminder that no matter what, it’s always good to have a laugh! Reader’s pick! Requested by SALLY-ANN JONES Who would you like to see as a Crazy Celeb stitch? It might be your favourite actor, a Hollywood icon or even a sporting great! Email…

SPIN AND SWIRL Polstitches’ intricate dyed fabrics call to mind fairytales and classic legends with their misty whirls of lush colours. Available in a variety of styles, they’ll give fanciful stitches a stunning finish. To buy, visitwww.polstitchesdesigns.com.co.uk or call 0800 772 3615 THROWING SHADES No matter what colour fabric you want for your project, Zweigart has you covered with their many shades of high-quality aida. We love Zweigart’s fabric here at Crazy – we use it for most of our projects! To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 SHINY SPARKLES DMC’s sparkly iridescent aida adds extra twinkle to any stitch. The fabric, which comes in many colours, has iridescent threads woven into it, creating a sparkle effect that doesn’t wear off. Visit www.dmccreative.co.uk to find your local stockist…

Those Crazy kittens! My cats have always been interested in helping me with my stitching and other crafts, ever since they were kittens. My cat Poison Ivy loved sitting on my magazines and climbing in my magazine rack when she was tiny, and my kitten Ember loves to sit on my shoulders when I’m stitching. They like to ‘help’ me read my craft magazines and organise my DMC threads – I’ve even found one of my lot pretending to be a piece of fabric in my fabric box before! Sometimes they’re lovely and will curl up on my legs or at my side, but sometimes they’re just annoying and climb on my shoulders. I’ve always got a stitching buddy, though, and definitely wouldn’t have it any other way! Deanna Sutherland,…

These stitchy dancers hope to be ballet stars someday, which is why they’re so busy practising their spins and twirls! If you know a child who can’t wait to get to dance class, or if they just love prancing around the house in a frilly tutu, they’ll love seeing their name stitched in this sweet alphabet. Or, try stitching an encouraging word (like ‘ballet’ or ‘dance’) to inspire a little one to keep twirling! Either way, your child will recognise the big smiles on these ballerinas’ faces – after all, dancing can be so much fun! They’ll also fall in love with the pretty pastel colours and elegant poses chosen by designer Lucie Heaton. And since these dancers require just whole stitches and backstitch to create, you’ll have no trouble…

Surround yourself with big, blooming flowers from the tropics – no matter what the weather is doing outside! This set of striking florals will transport you to warmer shores, where you’ll find an abundance of lush green foliage, vibrant hibiscus and bold tiger lilies all jostling for attention. These dramatic designs require only whole stitches and backstitch, and their simplicity makes them relaxing to create. Just sit back, imagine yourself on a balmy beach, and start stitching! Before you know it, your aida will be transformed into a little corner of paradise. Need to know Stitch Time 10-12 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring…

Red hot huts £6.10, Beach Huts by Hannes Needlecraft www.hannesneedlecraft.etsy.com Flanked by palm trees, these three little beach huts are totally tropical! This quirky chart is supplied as a PDF for instant stitching, and if worked on 14-count aida will measure 26x12cm (10¼x4¾in). Plaid house £3.60, Tartan Beach Huts by RathboneSass www.rathbonesass.etsy.com One of many tartan-themed designs from Glaswegian company, RathboneSass, this cute cross stitch makes a great gift for Scottish pals! It’s quick to complete on 14-count aida at 25.4x9.5cm (10x3¾in). All the colours £4.20, Beach Hut Modern Rainbow by RathboneSass www.rathbonesass.etsy.com Use basic cross stitch in 17 thread shades to for this design, plus some very simple backstitch for the seagulls. It measures 24x11cm (9½x4¼in) on 14-count aida fabric. Perfect pastels £3, Beach Huts by MKDesignArt www.mkdesignart.etsy.com A…

Understanding charts and keys Follow the steps below for an introduction to getting started, then use the simple instructions opposite to learn each stitch! Reading the chart Our charts are printed with coloured squares containing a symbol that represents squares to be stitched on the fabric. The key alongside the chart will tell you what colour thread each symbol corresponds to, so you know which one to thread your needle with (see right). Where to start The centre of our cross stitch charts is marked out using small arrows on the edge of each side of the chart. This is the best place to start stitching, so you end up with the design in the middle of the fabric. To find the centre of your fabric, fold it in half…

Stacey Black Art Editor This month... “I’m so pleased to see Popcorn the Bear on page 42 – he’s so cute!” Alison Maney Production Assistant This month... “Lee Holland’s animal designs on page 74 are my absolute favourite!” Leela Roy Designer This month... “I’m going to stitch Lucie Heaton’s ballerina alphabet from page 49” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month... “The travel postcards on page 28 are perfect for stitching on my hols!” Abi Barker Projects Coordinator This month... “I have a few festivals this summer, so I’ll be stitching the retro ideas on page 20” Heather Nugent Charting Assistant This month... “I love the bright tropical flowers on page 64 – I’ll be making some for my home!” www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com 0117 933 8023 Cross Stitch Crazy Immediate Media…

Whether you plan to spend your entire summer rocking out at music festivals or just lounging in the grass with friends, you’ll want to stitch these 1960s-themed motifs for cards, accessories and more! Worked in just whole stitches and backstitch, they’ll be easy to create while chatting away or keeping an eye on playing children. Or, add some stitches to your clothes for real flower child style! l Need to know Stitch Time 2-8 hours each Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs, 14-count clear plastic canvas and 5cm (2in) wide aida band with white trim. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk…

Let your stitching take you on a journey to remember with these adventurous stitches! Whether you’re planning to dip your toes in the Mediterranean or just want to bring some sunshine to a family camping trip, these stylish postcards will make everyone wish they were there. Create the tags before you go on holiday and use them to adorn your luggage – that way, there will be no mistaking which suitcase is yours! Using whole stitches and a fair bit of backstitch, the postcard designs are also a great project to enjoy during your time away. Have fun! Need to know Stitch Time 30 hours for the set Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle…

Popcorn the Bear goes on an unexpected journey as his bundle of balloons suddenly whisks him off the ground and into the clouds! Soufflé the duck looks surprised, but Popcorn is already excited to explore the open skies. Little ones will fall in love with Popcorn’s brave spirit and the cheerful colours in this adorable scene. Stitch it as a gift for a new arrival, or turn it into a unique birth sampler by stitching a new baby’s birth details on the left side of the project. If you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll love the backstitch on Popcorn’s fur and the duckling’s feathers, as well. Go ahead, we know you’ll get carried away stitching Need to know Stitch Time 25 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch…

IN YOUR POCKET Always have a tape measure to hand with this mini maple wood version by Seahorse. You can personalise it with a message, too! Buy for £16.95 at www.notonthehighstreet.com GIVE A PUG A HUG If you want your tape measure to make you smile, opt for this super cute pug version. It costs £5.99 from The Gift and Gadget Store www.thegiftandgadgetstore.com. or 01273 254 070). FUNKY FLOWERS Opt for a splash of colour this spring with this Cath Kidston Bright Pop tape measure, made from oilcloth. Buy for £5 at Magpie www.magpiepoundbury.co.uk or 01305 265 261).…

Louise Bower Nottinghamshire How would you describe your stitching style? It’s quite erratic at the moment. I work shifts full time as a paramedic, and when I stitch I like to dedicate the day to it. Who do you most like to stitch for? I do a lot of stitching as presents – mainly friends and family. Whatever I make, I personalise for that person, which is so much better than a shop-bought item. How cross stitch crazy are you? I’m in love with cross stitch. When stitching, I ignore everything, even my boyfriend! Which occasion gets your needle twitching? Weddings and christenings. I love doing samplers and always jump at the chance to do one. I’m currently working on a DMC kit for my goddaughter’s christening. It will match…

Stitched together for life Put your love for both cross stitch and your family up front and centre with a customised, ready-made Family Name Cross Stitch Board, produced and stitched by Cotton Clara. Try giving it as a Father’s Day gift this year! To buy, visit www.notonthehighstreet.com/cottonclara Crazy loves! Hey sunshine Treat yourself to some luxury threads! The high quality 7 Strand Silk Alger Thread, made by 200-year-old Parisian silk thread company Au Ver à Soie (aka ‘the silkworm’) separates easily and rarely tangles. Choose from several colours, including this bright new yellow range! To buy, visit www.sublimestitching.com A little colour If you’re looking to add a bit of stitching to your keyring or turn small motifs into necklaces, you’ll need a pack of SongThread’s Multi Coloured Rainbow Tiny Embroidery…

Quick and easy to stitch one a night! Need to know Stitch Time 4-6 hours each Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - Cardstock of your choice from local craft stores with aperture cut to size; Pebbles Home Grown, 6x6in pad backing papers. To buy, visit www.papermaze.co.uk or call 01473 892 195…

Need to know Stitch Time 4-6 hours each Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Start your own butterfly collection with these six charming charts by Maria Diaz! Each realistic design features a well-known British species of butterfly – from the humble common blue to the majestic monarch. These timeless motifs are perfect for birthday cards and tags, or you can turn them into an extra special gift for a wildlife enthusiast. We’ve turned our own stitches into pretty magnets so we can decorate the Crazy fridge! Turn to page 59 for our step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own at home. It’s such an easy way to brighten up the kitchen! For those who like to get even more creative, these butterflies would look gorgeous as a mobile…

Stitching on linen 1 Linen is a type of evenweave fabric, so most of the time, instead of stitching over one block as you do on aida, you stitch over two threads of the fabric. 2 The thread count of linen refers to the number of threads per inch. As you’re stitching over two threads, if you stitch a design on 28-count linen it will be the same size as it would be on 14-count aida. 3 Linen is a totally natural fabric, and can come in undyed or dyed versions. Pick your favourite for your next WIP! 4 When it’s washed, linen can shrink by up to 5%, so take this into account when planning items of a specific size and wash it before making up. 5 For those…

These cute characters are sure to inspire little ones to become anything they want to be – after all, it’s not every day you meet a doctor with a wet nose and wagging tail! Kids will love these designs by Lee Holland, and will want to be just like their favourite – whether it’s Postman Cat, Mouse the Chef, Doctor Dog or (our personal favourite here at Crazy) Officer Cottonbottom! Each design is worked in just whole stitches with a fair bit of backstitch, so younger stitchers who are up for a bigger project can have a go at making these themselves. We think they would look adorable hung on a bedroom wall, or you could even display them above a desk to encourage kids to do their homework and…