Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2019 i Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the January issue of Crazy! And there’s something extra-special about this New Year edition – it’s also our 250th issue. Happy birthday, Crazy! We’ve got plenty of exciting projects for you to get stuck into – starting with my favourite, the cute party rabbit on page 10. It’s just the thing for any special occasion! Or, for some quick-to-stitch cards and tags, turn to page 74 for our colourful paper lantern designs. And for a winter treat, check out our adorable Belle & Boo chart on page 48. I’ve fallen in love with the children and their friendly polar bear! Then, to ensure a perfect night’s sleep, head to page 42 for a magical bedroom set, and to page 64 to craft some beautiful dreamcatchers. And don’t miss…

Brrrrr – capering around in the snow can be a chilly business! Luckily this cute pup has a loving family who have bundled him up cosily in a festive hat and scarf. Now he’s all ready for a winter frolic, and he’s brought his tiny robin friend along to join in the fun, too! Your fab kit contains everything you need to create this charming Christmas card, including threads, aida and an illustrated aperture card. You could make the card even more festive by adding dots of glitter glue onto the snowflakes. This adorable dog is a quick stitch, which is perfect for this busy time of year. However, the design does contain a few challenges, with fractionals to shape the robin, lots of backstitch to bring out the puppy’s…

Legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen was anything but a stereotypical musician, beginning his career as a poet and novelist before moving on to music in his early 30s. His storied recording career spanned five decades, and produced classic songs such as Hallelujah, Everybody Knows and Suzanne. Though the singer passed away in 2016, his expressive voice and poetic lyrics continue to inspire listeners worldwide. Fans of the Canadian musician will appreciate how this stylish portrait captures Leonard’s soulful character. Worked in whole stitches only, it’s a perfect stitchy tribute to an artist whose talents changed the face of music. Reader’s pick! Requested by ROISIN LAWLOR 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…

SNOW BUSINESS Emma Congdon’s Let It Snow chart features skaters, toboggans and snowball fights. The chart costs £4.50, and when stitched on 14-count aida the design measures 17.5cmx25cm (7x10in), while on 16-count aida it’s 15.5cmx22cm (6x8_in). Get ready for some winter fun! To buy, visit www.stitchrovia.etsy.com CHEEP EATS You’re sure to enjoy stitching Cottage Garden Winter, which shows birds and a squirrel sharing a mid-winter meal. Stitched on flaxen aida with a fringed edge, the kit costs £18.70 and includes a stylish wooden hanger to help you display your finished piece. Stitch it to add a touch of rustic charm to your home! To buy, visit www.stitcher.co.uk WINTER WARMER We love staying indoors during the coldest months of the year. We peer out of our windows at the snow, settle…

Need to know Stitch Time 4-6 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 design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Extras - Square aperture cards (AP10U) in white (30). To buy, visit www.craftcreations.com or call ☎ 01992 781 900; ribbons of your choice from local stores…

Pastel brights burst from the aida in this buoyant set of charts! Inspired by the free spirited Bohemian style that was popularised in the 60s and 70s, the characters are finished with looping ligatures and hooked heads for a hand-written effect. There are scores of uses for this hippy-style alphabet. We’ve made ours into a fab perpetual calendar by mounting all the months of the year onto a cardboard flipchart and attaching numbers onto wooden blocks. If your New Year’s resolution is to be more organised, this is sure to help! You could also make a fun sign for a teenager’s bedroom, or personalise a phone cover or glasses pouch. Or, stitch your friends’ initials onto tiny scented pillows, co-ordinating the pretty designs with a ditsy floral pattern to complement…

With a whole year of celebrations ahead to plan for, you’ll put these fun birthday charts to very good use – start stitching now! The big 4-0 £4.70, 40th Birthday by ArtbyMariana www.artbymariana.etsy.com We all know 40 is the new 30! This jolly design includes an alphabet and numbers chart so you can customise it with a name and date. And all the other milestone birthdays – 18th, 21st, 30th, 50th, etc – are available as charts, too. Peased to know you £2.90, Happea Birthday by Ringcat www.ringcat.etsy.com Give peas a chance! This funny design will raise a smile or three when you turn it into a birthday card. The chart comes as an instant PDF download and is worked in whole stitches and backstitch in just eight colours. My…

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…

Katie Kegie Art Editor This month… “The charming polar bear design on page 48 has gone to the top of my list” Emily Godwin Designer This month… “I’ve fallen in love with the cottage set on page 28 – they look so cosy!” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “I’m celebrating New Year with my lantern cards – find them on page 74” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “You’ll find my fun postal motifs on page 34 – I might stitch one for my postman!” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “I’ll soon make a start on my Christmas thank yous with the designs on page 37” Contact Crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com ☎ 0117 300 8788 Cross Stitch Crazy Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd, 2nd Floor, Tower House, Fairfax…

Surrounded by streamers and confetti, wearing a paper hat and raising his glass of fizz high, this beaming bunny is certainly a party animal! Lee’s fun scene is sure to raise a smile wherever it’s displayed, and will be a fab stitch to work on as you ring in the New Year. Once complete, use it as a gift for anyone you know who’s celebrating a milestone birthday, anniversary or other big accomplishment, such as a graduation or new job. Or, stitch it as a treat for yourself – it’ll help you stay in the party spirit all year long! Need to know Stitch Time 18 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, half cross stitch, backstitch, French knots Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the…

Special occasions often get our needles twitching, so Lucie’s delightful partythemed designs have us all aflutter! This collection features a host of motifs bound to suit every occasion, from birthdays and anniversaries to baby showers, weddings and more. Perfectly sized to make into cards, cake toppers, gift tags and other celebration must-haves, these upbeat designs are sure to get the party started! Need to know Stitch Time 1-7 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. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Extras - All items of your choice from local stores or handmade…

You’ll feel right at home as you create this village of wintry houses! These pretty cottages are covered in fun details for you to find, from a tiny weathervane and wisps of chimney smoke, to a vine inching its way up the brickwork. As you finish stitching each design in whole stitches, backstitch and a few fractionals, you’ll become eager to discover what the next has to offer. Before you know it, you’ll have the complete set to display in your own home! Need to know Stitch Time 25 hours for the set (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Shopping List.. Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 20x25cm (7_x9_in) for each design.…

Second sight We love curling up by the fire to work on our stitching, but the dim light can make it tricky to see. That’s why we’re so impressed with Foresight-LED illuminated glasses, which cast strong, white light precisely where you need it! The reading glasses come in lens magnifications of x1, x2 and x3, while the two sides of the glasses each feature an LED light that follows your eyeline to illuminate your fabric, chart or instructions. Additionally, these glasses will come in handy for other activities such as reading, knitting or scanning the TV guide. They’re a great way to reduce eye strain without the need for bright, clinical overhead lights. Plus, they’re CE approved and come in four fun colours! If you like the sound of these…

SLEEPING CUTIE Curl up somewhere cosy to stitch this cute Sleepy Fox kit by Little Beach Hut. It costs £14 from www.littlebeachhut.com, and it’s also available as a downloadable PDF chart for £3. FLORAL DISPLAY Capture this handsome chap’s frolics in the flowers with Bothy Threads’ Amongst the Foxgloves. The kit is £29.49 from www.bothythreads.com, or when you call ☎ 01900 828 844. SITTING PRETTY Cute as a button, Durene Jones’ fantastic Mr Fox is a delight to stitch. The design is available as a PDF chart to download for £4.80 from www.durenejcrossstitch.etsy.com…

Swaying in the breeze, glowing with colour and raising smiles from the crowds below, lanterns can light up any celebration – but we particularly love seeing them at New Year parties and festivals! Their jolly colours and interesting shapes seem to promise us bright opportunities and exciting new experiences in the coming year. Created using whole stitches and backstitch only, these simple designs are brought to life with bold and detailed backstitch, then finished as cards and tags that are ideal for all your New Year greetings! Need to know Stitch Time 2-6 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…

Heather Hobson South Africa Which cross stitch designer would be your dream dinner party guest? Aimee Stewart. Her colourful and detailed designs are a delight and take you on a magical journey to exotic places. I would love to hear stories about her travels and adventures. Can you describe your stitching style? Very organised. My design stash is stored by theme so it’s easy to find a particular design. My style of stitching varies. I enjoy cute, mystical and wildlife-themed designs. When I’m not stitching, you’ll find me… Volunteering at Jugomaro Predator Park, which is a sanctuary for rescued lions, tigers and other animals. How cross stitch crazy are you? Extremely. I have more designs lined up than I will ever be able to stitch! Lisa Brookes Cheshire Which project…

Fun in a pun Etsy designer Ringcat’s wordplay designs have us in, well, stitches! Each of the designs in the Pun Kit Line features a bright, beginnerfriendly motif with a punny punchline below. The kits come with everything you need to complete them, including a 3in hoop to help you stitch the design and put it on display. Our pick of the bunch might just be the charming I Love You a Latte kit – it’s the perfect gift for a coffeedrinking loved one! To buy, visit www.ringcat.etsy.com Box of tricks Keep your bits, bobs, odds and ends tidily together in this Cactus Sewing Box, covered in on-trend succulents, cheeseplants and more. The top features a removable plastic tray for needles, buttons and other small items, while the bottom is…

Reader’s pick! Requested by PAIVI VALKONEN 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…

Sunday morning lie-ins are a wonderful winter pleasure – and now they can be even cosier, thanks to this enchanting set of a hot water bottle cover, mug cosy and eye mask. Worked in whole stitches and backstitch, these dreamy designs suit all levels! Need to know Stitch Time 35 hours for set (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton and metallic thread as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count navy aida (589) measuring 27x27cm (10½x10½in) for the hot water bottle, 12x18cm (4¾x7in) for the mug cosy and 12x24cm (4¾x9½in) for the eye mask. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Extras - Shooting Stars Navy – Cotton (BLE186) backing fabric. To buy,…

1 Invest in a storage system for your threads, fabric and charts and keep an inventory – that way, you know exactly what’s in your stash. 2 If you have skeins in duplicate colours, or that you don’t think you’ll use, see if you can do some swaps with your stitchy pals. 3 Dedicate a day – or longer – to using up fabric oddments and random short lengths of thread to make gift tags, cards and other small items. Ditch anything you can’t find a use for! 4 Take a ‘no new project’ pledge for January and resolve to finally finish some of those dusty WIPs that are lurking at the back of your stitching cupboard. 5 Are there projects you know you’ll never finish? There are forums and…

Originating from Native American cultures and traditionally made out of twisted willow branches, dreamcatchers are hung above a child’s bed as a protective charm, catching nightmares and only allowing good dreams to slip through. Kids will love learning about dreamcatchers as they stitch their very own versions, designed in gorgeous pastel shades and using just whole stitches and backstitch. Once complete, your little stitchers can embellish them with feathers and beads, then hang them above their beds for guaranteed sweet dreams! Need to know Stitch Time 3-4 hours (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 20x20cm (7_x7_in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call…

Perfect for beginners Small, quick-to-stitch designs, such as the waistcoat opposite, are ideal to try if you’re new to stitching. For more simple designs, try these: ▶ PAGE 20 Celebratory gift ideas ▶ PAGE 34 Crazy for… post! ▶ PAGE 37 Thank you cards ▶ PAGE 54 Winter sports motifs ▶ PAGE 64 Dreamcatchers 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…