Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2018 i Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the May issue of Crazy! This month there’s plenty to celebrate, starting of course with the exciting nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle! Commemorate the royal wedding in style with your gorgeous bonus chart, or you can stitch the happy couple themselves over on page 18. For those throwing a party, our fabulous free gift will get you in the mood – your kit contains all you need to stitch eight cute fairy gift tags! We’re also embracing sunshine in all its glory, from the exotic African savannah gift ideas on page 20 to Lesley Teare’s stunning springtime castle on page 56. And we’ve not forgotten the cheerful signs of spring in our own backyard, with a set of quick-to-stitch bee cards on page 74. I think…

Meet a party’s worth of fantastical friends who can’t wait to help you celebrate a loved one’s special day! These sweet fairies have been busy planning a birthday to remember and are bringing gifts, balloons, cake and, of course, champagne! Stitch them up and attach to the tags in your kit with double-sided tape, then tie your fairy tag to a wrapped gift for a jolly yet delicate finish. Best of all, each of these birthday fairies is quick to stitch, so keep this kit on hand in case you get invited to any impromptu parties. Both you and these mini maidens will be more than ready to bring the fun! GIFT AVAILABLE with print edition of issue 241 only CALL 03330 162 133 To BUY!…

METALLIC THREADS DAZZLE ME Give Kreinik’s blending filament a try – you can combine it with regular threads to add subtle highlights to your work! To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 CLASSIC SHINE Tried and true, the classic DMC Light Effects threads are our favourites to use for the projects in the mag. We love all the beautiful colours available! Visit www.dmc.com for more info and to find your local stockists CRAZY FOR METALLICS Yes, we like to stitch with our own metallics! These threads come free with select issues of Crazy, so keep an eye out when the mag hits the shops. Our latest issue with metallic threads was 238, our February 2018 mag. To buy back issues of Crazy, visit www.buysubscriptions.com…

Emerging from the purple mountains and lush flowers of Bavaria, a gleaming white castle stands high above the village below, waiting for you to create your own stories in its echoing halls! The entire scene is stitched in just whole stitches and backstitch, making it a wonderful yet manageable challenge for intermediate stitchers. Make it for a fairytale-loving little girl – it’s a beautiful piece she can continue to enjoy as she grows older. Or, turn it into a cushion to add a bit of magic to your own front room! Need to know Stitch Time 65 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Reader Says… I love Lesley Teare’s spring castle. Visiting the European castles of Bavaria and Austria is something I’ve been meaning to do for a…

Make up your own stories with this fantastical cast, including a wizard, prince, princess and dragon! Watch them come to life with whole stitches and a touch of backstitch, with a few metallic threads for added sparkle. Each design would make an ideal project for a novice stitcher, so have your child pick their favourite to stitch, then make it into a puppet for them to play with. Or, surprise a little one by creating the full set – they’ll soon be acting out their own tales of magic and intrigue! Need to know Stitch Time 5-6 hours each Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Rachel Says… I’m a big fan of fantasy stories, and have been since my childhood. I plan to stitch these puppets for my friend’s son,…

Purrfect partners £3.88, Wedding Cats by Imaginating www.sewandso.co.uk This cute couple don’t seem all that taken with their wedding cake, but appear to be very interested in the mousey cake toppers! Worked in solid colour blocks, you’ll have this project finished in next to no time. Two become one £5.38, Wedding Rings by PatternsTemplates www.patternstemplates.etsy.com This simple design of two intertwining wedding rings is so realistic. It’s an easy stitch, though, worked in just eight thread shades. It measures 18x14.5cm (7x5½in) on 14-count aida. Love grows £4.45, Pink Hearts by Dandelion Stitchery www.dandelionstitchery.etsy.com This simple design says it all! Pink Hearts is stitched using whole stitches only in just two shades. The designer recommends using three strands of thread instead of the usual two, to give a nice full coverage.…

Now these designs are bound to get people buzzing! Bold springtime florals mix with geometric honeycomb and smiling bees for an effect that’s as sweet as it is modern. Stitch these cards for all occasions and attach the tags to gifts for an extra-special touch. As these sunny projects are completed in just whole stitches with a bit of backstitch, you’ll be able to create your favourite design in just one or two nights – excellent news for the stitcher who’s often busy as a bee! Keep these charts on hand for cheerful birthdays, weddings, thank you cards and more. Need to know Stitch Time 2-6 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Heather Says… I’m in love with all the bright colours in these bee cards! I…

Stacey Black Art Editor This month… “My fave has to be Emma Congdon’s motivational sampler on page 28” Alison Maney Production Editor This month… “I’ve been stitching the sweet baking motifs from page 37 as little gifts!” Leela Roy Deputy Art Editor This month… “Wow – the modern floral project on page 10 is just so beautiful!” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “Learn how to make a fun set of fairytale puppets with me on page 64!” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “I love the creative art-themed abc by Susan Bates over on page 51” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “The geo-style woodland mobile on page 42 has really captured my imagination!” Contact Crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com 0117 933 8023 Cross Stitch Crazy Immediate Media Company Bristol…

Take a journey to one of the most amazing places on earth, where lions, giraffes and elephants roam free! Imagine being able to see for miles as the sunset turns the sky exotic shades of orange and gold. Share this African adventure with your friends when you stitch these vibrant gifts. Try one of the beaded motifs for an extra-special present that will make a loved one feel as warm and bright as the African sun! Need to know Stitch Time 1-10 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, beads Shopping List… Threads-Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle-Size 24 tapestry needle; beading needle Beads-Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key Fabric-Zweigart 14-count white and black (720) aida measuring a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for…

You’re an unstoppable force, and you deserve to be reminded of that fact every single day! This gorgeous calligraphy-style sampler will do just that – hang it in your bedroom and the vibrant colours will lift your spirits every morning, or give it to a teen as inspiration. This cosmic design is stitched in only whole stitches and a bit of backstitch, so you’ll be able to reach your goals of finishing it easily. See? You’re already a stitchy star! Shine on! Need to know Stitch Time 32 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Reader Says… I love this piece because it’s just so inspirational! I love phrases that you can use to remind yourself to never stop trying, and this is one that I adore. And it…

Gently swaying in the spring breeze, this adorable mobile is sure to delight newborn babies and parents alike! The geometric shapes in these designs make them quick to stitch, plus you can easily swap the colour scheme to match your chosen room. Follow our step-by-step instructions on page 46 to transform these six simple motifs into your own unique scene. Or, stitch your favourite design and turn it into a pretty card that will inspire adventurers of all ages to dream! Need to know Stitch Time 3-6 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Alison Says… Sosae’s style mixes modernity with sweetness, and I can’t get enough of it! I might use these motifs for cards instead of a mobile, though – particularly the cute fox! Alison Maney,…

School yourself Calling all stitchers hungry for new skills and experiences – Make! is a fun series of workshops and events celebrating contemporary craft, taking place at the Barbican Shop in London from 17th March to 3rd June 2018! Boost your stitchy skills with Stitch-School, where a team of professional teachers will run several A-Z sampler embroidery workshops at the shop. Stitchers will learn to create each letter of the alphabet through typographic hand embroidery – a great way to add a new element to your stitchy projects! Or, if you’d prefer to learn something completely new, try your hand at ring carving, bookbinding, weaving or one of many other unusual and challenging crafts. Whatever you decide to do, the Barbican hopes you come away with even more appreciation for…

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…

Claire Smyth Eaglescliffe Which project are you most proud of? I finished off a beautiful Christmas project that had sadly been left unfinished when my sister’s friend died. It’s now beautifully framed and was displayed over Christmas. I think she would be pleased! Who do you most like to stitch for? I stitch for those I know will appreciate the hard work that goes into cross stitch, especially larger projects. How cross stitch crazy are you? I have enough kits and magazines to stitch 24/7 for the rest of my life! I even clip my favourite designs out of magazines and file them into categories for my ‘to stitch’ list. Who is your favourite character to stitch? I just love Tatty Teddy. He really comes to life when he’s backstitched!…

Cut-out&Keep Quick and easy to stitch one a night! Need to know Stitch Time 3-4 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… 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- 4in wooden embroidery hoops (EH4). To buy, visit www.siestaframes.com or call ☎ 01202 813 363; felt for backing, ribbon and paint of your choice from local stores…

Need to know Stitch Time 2-4 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Whether you’re Pablo Picasso or a finger painter, you’ll want to express yourself with this art-themed abc! Label an apron as we did below, or add an artist’s name to a box of supplies so they’ll remember which one to take home. You could even create a little sign to hang from a young painter’s favourite easel! No matter how highbrow the artist, they’re sure to be delighted with these colourful letters and numbers surrounded by art motifs such as paints, pencils, brushes and ink. You’ll love discovering the details in each design, formed using whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch. Perhaps you’ll feel inspired yourself and opt to create an encouraging phrase or artsy…

LAY A LITTLE EGG Top of the pecking order, this is one cool chicken. The Cluck Cluck kit costs £16.50 from The Stitching Shed – visit www.thestitchingshed.co.uk HEN PARTY We love this farmyard sampler, full of simple rustic charm! Buy the Chick Chick Chicken kit online for £16.95 from www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk FREE RANGE She’s unflappable and has her beady eye on you! The Curious Hen kit comes from Bothy Threads (www.bothythreads.com) and is priced at £29.49.…

Do you have a favourite animal to stitch? “Robins! I’ve lost count of how many I’ve stitched. I do also love stitching the Country Companions characters, though, especially the hedgehogs. I love the mottled, multicoloured effect of their prickles.” Janine Findlay, Inverness “I absolutely love stitching rabbits. I have two indoor rabbits and they’re a real inspiration. I recently finished Moon Gazing Bunnies by Fuzzy Fox Designs on Etsy. I changed the colours to match my own bunnies’ fur!” Julie Martin, Aberdeen “For realistic stitches, it has to be foxes or wolves. I love all the details that come out in them. As for cartoon/stylised ones, though, I like dogs, hedgehogs, bunnies, mice, owls…” Kalie-Dee Jones, Glossop Coming up: If you had a cross stitch superpower, what would it be?…

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…