Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2017 i Cross Stitch Crazy

Stacey Black Art Editor This month... “It’s great to see a new design from Joan Elliott on page 10 – beautiful!” Alison Maney Production Assistant This month... “I think the Halloween silhouette hoops on page 28 will be so fun to stitch” Leela Roy Designer This month... “The horse alphabet on page 49 makes me want to learn how to ride!” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month... “Lee Holland’s cute animals on page 56 will be my next project” Abi Barker Projects Coordinator This month... “My new home is going to be decorated with the pretty house motifs on page 74!” Heather Nugent Charting Assistant This month... “I can’t wait to adorn my sewing stash with the ideas on page 44” www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com 0117 933 8023 Cross Stitch Crazy…

GIFT AVAILABLE with print edition of issue 233 only 03330 162 133 TO BUY Get started early on your Christmas cards this year when you stitch Popcorn the Bear and his little robin friend! This card kit, designed by Debbie Howard, comes with an aperture shape in the exact size of your Popcorn stitch. Simply pop him inside the frame for a fab finish! We love Popcorn’s big smile – and it looks like he just made a new friend while playing outside on a snowy day! Perhaps try saving this sweet card to give to a brand new friend this holiday season. Popcorn requires a good deal of backstitch for his fur, so consider using a sharp needle to pierce threads and aida blocks. Once you’ve finished stitching this…

Abeloved leading man for over three decades, Cary Grant was the king of Golden Age Hollywood. His charming smile, striking style and laid-back demeanour landed him roles opposite all the big name actresses of the 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond, including Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Mae West and Marilyn Monroe. He seduced filmgoers with his confidence and glamour, and he continues to do so through his classic movies – and this lovely stitchy portrait! Recapture the glory of the silver screen with this black and white headshot of the star. It’ll look right at home hanging on the wall in your living room, or on a card for a film fan. Once he’s done, you’ll forever be his girl Friday! Reader’s pick ! Requested by DELORES ROBSON Who…

CRAZY PEACOCK The free gift from Crazy issue 229 will keep all your threads neat and organised – and it comes with colourful cottons! To buy back issues, visit www.buysubscriptions.com RIDING HIGH You need a thread sorter that’s as unique as you are! This Roller Skating Unicorn from Etsy shop Ugly Baby, costing £9.79 plus shipping, should do the trick. To buy, visit www.uglybaby.etsy.com BIG BUD Great for big projects, this Tanto thread and needle organiser, costing £29.95, keeps your cottons from tangling and keeps them ready for easy access. You can even adjust the height! To buy, visit www.tantoltd.co.uk or call 01425 517 678…

Quick and easy to stitch one a night! Need to know Stitch Time 3-5 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 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - 10cm (4in) wooden embroidery hoops. To buy, visit www.siestaframes.com or call 01202 813 363; ribbon and coloured cardstock of choice from local stores…

Grab your riding gear and hitch up the saddle – it’s time to ride off into the sunset with this fun horsethemed alphabet! Equestrian enthusiasts will be over the moon (or perhaps over the jumping fence!) when they see their names spelled out in horsey motifs. Display your stitching proudly alongside your ribbons and medals, as we did here – or, if the recipient hasn’t quite won the Royal Ascot yet, use the alphabet to make a blue ribbon-worthy card. If you’re lucky enough to have a horse of your own, turn the alphabet into a personalised name plaque for their stable door. We’re sure they won’t say neigh to it! Though these letters are small, they’ll still be a challenging make, as they include whole stitches, fractionals, backstitch and…

After setting up camp, it’s great to gather around the fire for food, stories and song. It’s so much fun that even the forest animals want to get involved! This squirrel, bunny, badger and hedgehog are having a wonderful time together, and they want you to join in. Pull up a chair and recreate this scene using all your stitchy skills – you’ll need them to make the lovely French knots, fractionals, backstitch and whole stitches of this piece. When you’re done, you’ll have this playful celebration of togetherness to hang on your wall. Kumbaya! Need to know Stitch Time 50 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric -…

Using charts 1 If you’re a beginner, opt for simple charts, with clear coloured symbols and an easyto- follow key. You’ll find lots of great ones in Crazy! 2 If your chart doesn’t have centre lines marked on it, count in from the edges both horizontally and vertically (or fold the design in half both ways) to find the centre. Start stitching from the centre and work outwards. 3 If your chart has small symbols on it that you are struggling to read, enlarge it on a photocopier or use a magnifying glass. 4 Study your chart before you begin and plan your stitching route to minimise wastage, as trailing large amounts of thread across the back of your chart uses unnecessary floss and is untidy. 5 Add a pack…

Moving house is a big life event, so stitch up a thoughtful card to celebrate! Create stunning new home cards and tags, worked in whole stitches only, for a loved one embarking on an adventure in a new place. They’re sure to appreciate the fresh colours and timeless style of these quirky homes. Plus, these stitches give them something to display on the mantle, even while all their possessions are in boxes! Need to know Stitch Time 2-5 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch 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 card and 10x10cm (4x4in) for each tag design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150…

AFGHAN – a woollen blanket or rug with areas for cross stitching AIDA – the most common cross stitching fabric, made up of thread woven in blocks rather than singly AIDA BAND – a thin strip of aida with a decorative edge, used to adorn towels, bookmarks, etc. Comes in various widths APERTURE – the space through which a design is shown (mainly on cards and in frames) BEADING NEEDLE – a long, fine needle that slides easily through seed and bugle beads DESIGN AREA – the measurement of the finished design, depending on the count of fabric used EVENWEAVE – fabric made from evenly-spaced woven threads. It’s softer and more flexible than aida FABRIC COUNT – the number of holes per inch (HPI) on your fabric. The higher the…

... to the October issue of Crazy! This month our poised and pretty cover star has been designed by Joan Elliott – turn to page 10 to get started on this timeless portrait today! Plus, your free gift is an adorable Popcorn the Bear card kit, with all you need to stitch him ready for the festive season. If you enjoy decorating the house for Halloween as much as I do, you’ll love the spooky silhouette hoops on page 28 – or try the fun finger puppets on page 64 if you have children to entertain! We also gather around the campfire for a good old-fashioned singalong with Lee Holland’s cute characters on page 56, and soar above the clouds with Emma Congdon’s hot air balloon hoops on page 39.…

How sweet it is to stitch these old fashioned treats! Friends and relatives will relive their childhoods when you give them these scrummy stitches, all worked in pretty pastel colours. A healthy amount of backstitch gives these treats depth and detail, so your loved ones will immediately recognise their favourite sweets from days gone by. Add them to towels, keychains, cards and more to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! Need to know Stitch Time 2-8 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 a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs, 14-count 5cm (2in) wide white aida band and 14-count clear plastic canvas. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk…

Good evening, boys and ghouls. If you seek macabre makes to hang inside your haunted house this Halloween, look no further than these shadowy silhouette hoops by new Crazy designer Violet Dahl. Feel a chill of excitement run up and down your spine as you stitch curling branches, flapping bats and, of course, a boo-tiful witch, all done up in bold black thread and glow-in-the dark white. Grab your needle and start stitching – if you dare! Need to know Stitch Time 8-15 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Fabric Flair 14-count Purple Potion and Pixie Pink cloud effect aida measuring 35x35cm (13_x13_in) for the larger designs and…

OVER £1,15 8 OF PRIZES TO BE WON! 20 PRIZES £330 worth John James needles! Never be stuck for the right needle again! John James Needles (www.jjneedles.com) is giving away 20 packs of nine different needles including several from its crafters’ collection, gold-plated needles and tapestry sizes 24, 26 and 28. To enter, text CSC233JOHN, your name, postal address and email address to 87474 (texts will be charged at 50p plus your standard network rate) or label your postcard ‘John James 233 giveaway’. 12 PRIZES £264 worth Crafts for Christmas and Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts show tickets! If you’re already planning your yuletide projects, a free pair of tickets for the Crafts for Christmas and Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts events will be very welcome! These shows are both at the…

Piece of cake! Hello, I’m a mad cross stitcher and it’s been my hobby for over 30 years. I thought you might like to see a Valentine’s card I made for my husband back in February, and also what he did when I celebrated my birthday in April – he had it made into a cake! I was so surprised and thrilled, as he was, with the local cake shop in Urmston, Manchester. He asked them if they could do a ‘cross stitchy’ cake and took the card in as a sample. I love the way the aida has been reproduced in icing, and the little needle sticking in it. At least this needle won’t poke my husband! He puts up with all my stitchy stash all over the house,…

Fiona Leahy Ireland Which cross stitch designer would be your dream dinner party guest? Lucie Heaton. I love stitching her colourful, quick and easy Christmas designs as presents for people! We would have loads to talk about. Who is your favourite character to stitch? As I’m a teacher and love to read, I would have to say Peter Rabbit. I’ve often shown my students my Peter Rabbit projects. How cross stitch crazy are you? I have a shelf dedicated to cross stitch! On it you will find Crazy magazines, charts, kits and a huge box overflowing with threads and countless needles. The shelf is constantly expanding. Which occasion gets your needle twitching? Definitely new babies! There are so many nice patterns out there. Victoria McKee North Ayrshire How would you…

Previously you’ve been Crazy for... Back issues! Crazy hotline 03330 162 133 Reader’s pick! Requested by TANYA POUND What are you crazy for? Tell us what you’re mad about stitching! We’ll gather together the most popular requests and ask one of our top designers to create a whole spread of designs – just for you! Fill in and cut out this coupon (or photocopy it) and send it to: Crazy for… Cross Stitch Crazy, Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd, 2nd Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN or email your requests to: crazyfor@cross-stitching.com…

Give your stash a fab makeover with a smattering of eyepopping designs! Choose from a sewing box cover, a pincushion or a tape measure topper, each filled with all the tools sewists hold most dear. Stitch them up exactly as we did here, or pick and choose your favourite motifs to create your own unique sampler. You can also use the motifs for cards and tags for all your fellow crafty friends. Get creative – after all, that’s what crafters do best! Need to know Stitch Time 70 hours for the set Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, French knots ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 35x45cm (13_x17_in) for the sewing box, 20x20cm…

So you’ve finally finished stitching your latest creation and you want to give it to a loved one – now what? Here at Crazy, we love making our finishes into cards. They look professional and are so easy to personalise and make special. Once you get into card making, it’s also a great chance to do some stitching for every occasion – not that we ever needed an excuse to stitch! If you’re a card making beginner, try a cross stitch card kit to start. These make things easy, coming complete with a suitable aperture card. Don’t worry, though – these kits aren’t the only way to make cross stitch cards! There are two main ways of turning your stitching into a card: using an aperture or patching. Here’s the…

Ghoulish creatures have appeared for Halloween – and they’re ready for lots of fun! Kids will love creating silly stories with these cute and colourful finger puppets, easy to make up by stitching two pieces of felt together and attaching your stitch to the front. Choose from a friendly pumpkin, a skeleton, a witch or a bat – or make them all up and let everyone have a play. You can even let the kids have a go at making these puppets themselves, as they’re made with mostly whole stitches – you can give them a hand with the backstitch and making up, if need be. You’ll all be in for a scary good time! Need to know Stitch Time 5-7 hours each Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList...…

So sweet £3, Melissa Mermaid by LilleyStitch www.lilleystitch.etsy.com This adorable chart will appeal to children and the young at heart alike! It’s brought to life in 10 DMC shades using cross stitch and backstitch. Measuring 11.5x13.5cm (4½x5¼in), you’ll have it completed in next to no time. The honest truth £3.60, I’m Really a Mermaid by JosieMakes www.josiemakes.etsy.com Reveal your true self with this fun design! This trendy stitch measures 14.5x18cm (5¾x7¼in) on 14-count aida and would look amazing no matter what shape frame you choose to put it in. Precious find £1.98, A Mermaid by FifiGraceDesigns www.fifigracedesigns.etsy.com We love the simplicity and wonder of this design! It’s worked in whole cross stitch, half stitches and backstitch, so it’s achievable for stitchers of all abilities. It measures 7x5cm (2¾x2in). The chart…

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…