Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2018 i Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the November issue of Crazy! This month I’m excited to start my Christmas projects – it’s my favourite occasion to stitch for, so I hope you’ll join me for some festive fun! Your three fab gifts are sure to inspire you, starting with your cute Russian doll bauble kit. Turn to page 8 to find out more about your triple bonus gifts this month! If you want to decorate your home before the guests arrive, we also have a beautiful folk art bird cushion over on page 42 – I just love the vibrant colours in this design – and a set of sparkling firework hoops on page 56. Since it’s the season for celebrations, you’ll find a set of quick-to-stitch new baby cards on page 37, and…

Get your holiday stitching off to a great start with Lucie Heaton’s festive designer chart book! Inside, you’ll find 50 exclusive holiday charts featuring traditional Christmas garlands, cute polar animals, glamorous Nutcrackerthemed designs and bright modern makes – not to mention a collection of pretty holiday papers! Make your stitches up to give as gifts, hang as baubles and more. Plus, decorate your home with Helz Cuppleditch’s beautiful chalkboardstyle sampler, which comes as a fab bonus chart with this issue! * Gift available with print edition only…

Reader’s pick! Requested by JENNY MINICHINO Previously you’ve been Crazy for… Back issues! Crazy hotline ☎ 03330 162 133 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…

“The best tip I had was from your mag! It said if a knot forms in the thread, just push your needle back through it and it will undo. The amount of times I’ve had that happen… I would have gone crazy if I hadn’t known this tip!” Tanya Knight, Chard “The best tip I had was to wash my hands! It’s far easier to wash your hands before you start than to try to wash out the marks and stains after you’ve finished. I’ve never had to wash another piece before framing since!” Lorna Smith, Southampton “These are the best tips I got when I started – always begin in the middle of your fabric, use the loop method to start, stitch in good light, make a copy of…

Curl up under your warmest blanket with a mug of tea and enjoy making this beautiful tree-shaped advent calendar to celebrate the holidays! Unwind as you stitch each number in simple whole stitches only, then use the instructions on page 53 to turn your projects into a festive finish. Stitch all 24 numbers if you wish, or keep it simple with a traditional advent of 12, as we did. You can also use the motifs for wintry gift tags, cards and table runners – or just stitch one for the simple joy of making! Fiona Says… I enjoy decorating with folk artinspired stitches, especially when they’re a bit Scandinavian. This advent calendar will fit in well with my other folky holiday decorations! Fiona Baker, Technical Editor, Cross Stitch Crazy Need to…

Stitch a bionic friend to get you in the festive spirit! These jolly little robots are perfectly happy to hang merrily from your tree, but most of all they love helping young stitchers to learn. Try hosting your own family Christmas stitchalong – let everyone choose their favourite robot to stitch as you sit together on a cold winter evening. Or, use a youngster’s time off school to teach them how to stitch one of these fun androids as their first ever project. With only whole stitches and backstitch in each design, they’re the perfect bots for little beginners! Need to know Stitch Time 5-6 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry…

Stacey Black Art Editor This month… “The Scandi-style advent calendar on page 48 will be great fun to make!” Alison Maney Production Editor This month… “I can’t wait to stitch the elegant winter horse scene on page 28” Emily Godwin Designer This month… “As my first ever project, I’m trying the sweet new baby cards on page 37!” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “Margaret Sherry’s cute hedgehog on page 10 is top of my must-stitch list” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “The winter window scenes on page 64 will be perfect for my Christmas cards” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “I love the little robot baubles on page 74 – such an unusual idea!” Contact crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com ☎ 0117 300 8786 Cross Stitch Crazy Immediate…

From performing side-splitting sketch comedy with partner-in-crime Dawn French to stumbling around London with Joanna Lumley on the wildly popular sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, Jennifer Saunders has earned her status as a British comedy legend. Stitch a portrait of the celebrated writer, actor and funny woman and give it to a girlfriend who’s the Eddy to your Patsy – or keep it for yourself as a reminder to see the funny side of everything, darling! Reader’s pick! Requested by DEBBY DUARTE 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 your requests to celebstitch@cross-stitching.com or post them to: Celeb stitch, Cross Stitch Crazy, 2nd Floor, Tower House, Fairfax Street, Bristol BS1 3BN. If the…

BEAUTIFUL BIRDS This Birdsong Craft Bag is music to our ears! Carry your projects with you wherever you go in this feminine modern tote, featuring durable wooden handles and an additional hook and loop pocket to keep all your little supplies safe. To buy, visit www.sewing-online.com or call ☎ 01159 874 422 CRAFTY CARRIER Celebrate your love of sewing with this decorated bag! This Retro Notions Craft Bag will hold all your stitching bits and bobs in its many pockets. Carry multiple projects and keep them separate in this bag’s deep nooks and crannies – get ready to stitch everywhere! To buy, visit www.hobbycraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0330 026 1400 CRAZY FOR CATS If you love all things feline, then this is the craft bag for you! Covered in kitty…

Need to know Stitch Time 3-5 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 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) for each. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Extras - First Edition 6x6in Hey Baby Paper Pad (FEPAD172); 6mm Double Sided Super Sticky Tape. To buy, visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0333 050 1184; cardstock of your choice with hand-cut apertures…

COOL YULE Pretty motifs and a festive vibe bring the Modern Christmas Advent Sampler bang up to date. Download for £4.21 from www.heleneworkshop.etsy.com TRADITIONAL FAYRE Candy canes, angels and holly wreaths give this stitch a nostalgic feel! The Advent Sampler chart costs £20.12 from www.saraguermani.etsy.com DANDY SCANDI Have yourself a hygge little Christmas with this Scandinavian Inspired Advent Sampler chart. Download for £7.92 at www.susieteedesigns.etsy.com…

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…

Natasha Sutton Solihull How would you describe your stitching style? I’m very relaxed about when and where I stitch. I have lots of projects on the go and rotate them so I don’t get bored. Who do you most like to stitch for? I love stitching for my children. They’re always so excited when they realise I’m stitching for them! Their walls are slowly becoming covered in cross stitch. Who is your favourite character to stitch? It has to be Peter Rabbit. I’ve loved all the Beatrix Potter characters for years, and after the recent film I just have to stitch him! Who taught you to cross stitch? I taught myself to stitch. My first project was an engagement sampler for my college friend. I’d never stitched before, but I…

Once the guest list is finalised, the venue is set and the cake is picked out, it’s time to start thinking about stitching some pretty decorations for the wedding! For those getting married in winter, this fresh mix of designs in cool teal and pretty coral will inspire you to create wonderful centrepieces, gifts for the wedding party or even save the date and thank you cards. And if you’re attending someone else’s wedding this year, stitch your favourite motifs and use them to make a personalised wedding card, or turn them into little presents to make the bride and groom’s special day even more memorable! Need to know Stitch Time 1-8 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed…

As you approach, barely crunching the freshly fallen snow beneath your feet, a horse watches you calmly from her favourite spot in the field. The landscape has been transformed into a silent winter scene for just the two of you to share. You’ll meet this beautiful bay horse when you create her in whole stitches and backstitch only. She’ll take some time, skill and tender care to tame – just like a real horse! But when she comes around and you finally make her up, she’s sure to delight all who see her. And you’ll remember this magical ride forever! Alison Says… I used to ride horses when I was young, and this beauty looks like my favourite, Poco! I think I’ll stitch her for my front room. Alison Maney,…

Weather the storm Just wanted to let you know that, back in February this year, your April 2018 issue saved me when the ‘Beast from the East’ hit and I ended up being stuck in London for three whole days. I was only supposed to be staying overnight, so I hadn’t brought my stitching with me. Once I realised I wouldn’t be leaving anytime soon, I hurried to the nearest WHSmith and got their latest copy of Crazy. Then, I had to acquire scissors, so I purchased a manicure set. Nail scissors work just fine for snipping threads, apparently. I was so stressed that I started in the wrong place and had to cut aida from the top and sew it onto the bottom! But it kept me sane, and…

Susan Bates books! We think small stitches can be some of the most delightful and beautiful projects to make – and Susan Bates’ new book, Ultra Mini Cross Stitch Makes, confirms it! Whether you’re after itsy-bitsy designs for pendants and earrings or teeny-weeny makes for phone cases, gift tags and more, this book is bursting with super speedy ideas for you to stitch. Keep it in your stash and you’ll find uses for it all year round! We have 20 copies of the book to give away this month. Visit www.tuvapublishing.com for more information. To enter for your chance to win, visit www.cross-stitching.com to enter for free, or send a postcard labelled ‘Susan Bates books 247 giveaway’ to the address listed below. Pilot Pen bundles! All crafters should have good-quality…

Exploding into a cascade of glittering lights, these dazzling fireworks are sure to inspire awe wherever you hang them – they’re made extra brilliant with a few metallic threads! Use whole stitches and backstitch to create these dramatic night sky scenes, as well as a new technique, blending, which requires you to load your needle with two colours at once. Have a go – we know you’ll have a blast! Reader Says… I love the vibrant colours that have been used for these projects. The use of black aida really makes them pop! I think these fireworks would be an absolute joy to stitch. They look great! Becky Urry, Hull Need to know Stitch Time 10-12 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, blending, backstitch Shopping List… Threads -…

These clever designs will open up a whole new way to make your cards special! Once you’ve stitched the complete scene onto aida, simply cut down the centre and patch each side onto a gatefold card. Write your message inside, then it’s ready to be revealed when the windows are opened! Hannah Says… I’m looking forward to stitching these as cards for my friends and family. They all love a good snowy landscape! I might have to stitch one to keep for myself as well. Hannah Erskine, Charting Assistant, Cross Stitch Crazy Need to know Stitch Time 4-14 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart…

Magical experiences £4.57, Adventure Awaits by Stitches Lovers Shop www.stitchesloversshop.etsy.com Keep life exciting with this magnificent stitch – it’s a great reminder to embrace adventure each and every day. It’s worked in nine colours and is an amazing project for adventurous stitchers! In the heart of nature £4.69, Mountain Camping by Joyful By Stephanie www.joyfulbystephanie.etsy.com An abundance of clean air, hiking, cycling and plenty of nature to enjoy – there’s nothing like camping in the mountains. This fun project measures 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) on 14-count aida, or over two threads on 28-count evenweave. Pick me up £3.82, Paradise Island by Kaa’s Stitching www.kaasstitching.etsy.com Hands up if you’d like to holiday here. Us too! Paradise Island makes for a most relaxing stitch on 14-count aida. It uses 16 colours and measures…

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…