Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2019 i Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the February issue of Crazy! Love is definitely in the air this month, and we’ve packed this issue with all sorts of enchanting projects that are sure to set your heart aflutter. If you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day treat, try Cheryl McKinnon’s hilarious mermaid pun cards on page 62 and give your special someone a case of the giggles. Or, make fun personalised gifts with our vibrant Memphis-style alphabet and numbers set on page 47. It’s a totally tubular 80s throwback! Then, if you want to start your year by trying something new, check out the chic line art animals on page 42 – they stand out beautifully on navy blue fabric. And don’t miss the easy-to-stitch kawaii gem patches on page 74, which look great…

Gliding smoothly along the water, this elegant swan is the queen of the lake – she’s even adorned herself in pretty roses and a pink coronet! And, once you’ve stitched her to life, she’s sure to be loved by all who meet her. Your kit has everything you need to stitch and send this romantic design, including an illustrated aperture card, 14-count aida, a needle, thread and an envelope. The chart is worked in just whole stitches and backstitch, so stitchers of all levels can enjoy crafting this beautiful bird’s outstretched wings and graceful curved neck. When you’ve finished, just centre the swan in the card’s aperture, attach it around the edges with glue or double-sided tape and stick down the backing card. Then, you just have to decide who…

Starting her career as a dancer before moving on to acting, then singing and more, Jennifer Lopez – aka J.Lo – seems to excel at everything she turns her hand to. Best known for romantic comedies like Maid in Manhattan and The Wedding Planner, as well as songs such as Love Don’t Cost a Thing and On the Floor, the icon has found true megastardom as a performer. She’s also a style icon and entrepreneur, famed for her showstopping dresses and perfume line. Create this stitchy J.Lo portrait for a devoted fan! Jennifer Lopez 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…

BAND TOGETHER Add colourful borders to your towels, placemats, tablecloths and more with a striking hand-dyed aida band from Barbaral Creations. We especially love the swirling pinks and purples of this Pulmonaria colourway. The 16-count aida band is 3cm (1¼in) wide and costs £2.31 per metre. To buy, visit www.barbaralcreations.etsy.com FIRE BREATHING Inspired by the Chinese year of the Fire Rooster, this stunning ombré dyed fabric is available in aida, linen and evenweave in a range of counts and sizes, and you can buy a 23x30.5cm (9x12in) piece of aida for £4. To buy, visit www.chromatic-alchemy.co.uk SUBTLE SHADES Give your stitching a delicately coloured background with one of these ethereal fabrics from Crafty Kitten. Choose from stronger vivid shades or softer pastel colours – a 23x30.5cm (9x12in) piece of aida…

Need to know Stitch Time 4-5 hours each 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 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Extras - Square aperture cards (AP16U) in white (30). To buy, visit www.craftcreations.com. Josy Rose 5mm round cup sequins in Glossy Lemon Sorbet (JR04283), Satin Boy Blue (JR04307) & Metallic Slate Blue (JR04309). To buy, visit www.josyrose.com Rockin’ rhombus Zany zig zags Triangle time You’re a star Fly a kite Happy hexagons Square the circle…

Make a statement with your stitching by using it to make fun and funky accessories that are guaranteed to turn heads! With bold geometric lines, kitsch colours and off-the-wall shapes, this is one alphabet and numbers set that’s impossible to ignore. The charts are easy to work in whole stitches and backstitch only, so they’re ideal for stitching newbies, and more seasoned stitchers will easily be able to stitch a letter in a day. And as there no fractionals, you can stitch them onto plastic canvas to create a whole range of fun and fashionable gifts. We made necklaces with our letters, but you could also make cake pokes, hanging decorations and brooches. But, if you prefer to stitch onto aida, they’re still great for decorating make-up bags, quote totes…

Stitching on the go 1 If you’re flying, you may not be able to take scissors into the cabin or in your carryon luggage. Check with the airline beforehand, but a cutter on a lanyard should be fine. 2 If you use a magnifier at home, try a mini hands-free version for travelling. You can wear these around your neck, so you won’t need to have a table top to stitch at. 3 Roll your WIP up inside a clean cloth once you’ve completed a stitching session. That way, it stays clean and crease-free en route. 4 Stick to a simple project. You can get distracted while travelling, and there’s more chance of your stitching getting marked or misplaced when you’re out and about. 5 Don’t take your entire stash…

Wish friends and family a speedy recovery with this healthy collection of quick-stitch charts Out of sorts £2.76, Get Whale Soon by Cross Stitch Hobby Shop www.crossstitchhobbyshop.etsy.com Sick friends will still have a whale of a time when they receive this adorable design as a get well gift. Stitch it on 14-count aida for a finished size of 12.5x11.5cm (5x4½in), which is ideal to display in a 6in hoop. Picture of health £1.80, An Apple A Day by Claire Crompton www.clairecrompton.etsy.com This well-known proverb is spot-on for a get well card! It’s worked in whole stitches and backstitch in nine shades and fits inside a 3in (7.5cm) aperture. It’s quick to complete, so try working it up twice and keeping one in reserve! On the mend £2.90, Cute Get Well…

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… “I’m in love with the pretty swan in our card kit – she’s so elegant!”* Emily Godwin Designer This month… “The sequined cards on page 37 have gone to the top of my must-stitch list” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “I had fun designing the three line art animals on page 42 – have a look!” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “I’m making a nameplate using my Memphis-style alphabet on page 47” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “The Dala horse design on page 28 is so cute! I can’t wait to start stitching it” 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 Street, Bristol BS1 3BN NEVER…

Daydream of Japan as you stitch this stunning geisha! Adorned in cherry blossoms and shimmering beads, she peers knowingly out from behind her fan, ready to grace your home with her enchanting presence. A real treat for those who enjoy stretching their stitching skills, this romantic portrait requires fractionals, French knots, metallic threads and beads as well as whole stitches and backstitch. We’re in love! Need to know Stitch Time 50 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots, beads ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton and metallic thread as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle; beading needle Beads - Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key. To buy, visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0333 050 1184 Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white…

Spread a little happiness with a handmade gift – it’s the best way to show how much you care! The rustic trend is going strong and lends itself beautifully to Emma’s motifs. They’re perfect for turning into fun cards and presents for loved ones. With humorous sentiments, stitched in delightful shades, we think you’ll find plenty of excuses to stitch these heartfelt charts. We’ve got nine great ideas to get you started, plus you’ll find plenty more inspiration over the page. Need to know Stitch Time 2-6 hours each (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 - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs.…

Winning stitches! Thank you for a brilliant magazine! Each month, I eagerly look forward to it coming through my letter box. I have every issue of Crazy since it was first published in 1999 and have stitched many things over the years. Here I am with my latest cross stitch projects, which I made into cushions and entered in a craft show in my local village. The bee designs were from issue 241 and I was awarded first place for that cushion. The nursery rhymes were from issue 198 and got second place. This is the first time that I have sent a photo of my stitching in to a magazine and I would be really pleased if you printed my letter! Maureen Hall, Dungannon Alison says: What fabulous stitching,…

It’s the little things A quick text to say ‘hey’, meeting for a cup of tea, a card just to say hello – these are the things that really make a friendship. This sweet Friendship kit, which costs £8.84, includes 14-count aida, cotton embroidery thread, a needle and illustrated instructions. At roughly 13x18cm (5x7in), this pretty sampler would make a lovely hanging. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Better with friends If you needed a good reason to treat your friend, Palentine’s Day is just the thing! Of course, this adorable Life is Better with Friends kit is a fab present for any day you fancy spreading joy. The kit comes with cotton embroidery thread, 14-count aida, a 6in plastic embroidery hoop, a needle and easy-to-follow…

Give your school supplies a huge dose of personality with these kawaii-style gems, each with a jolly little face beaming out from its centre. With their simple colours and stitches, they’re ideal makes for young crafters. Once you’ve finished a gem, turn it into a patch! Cut around the design, then iron black interfacing onto the back. Trim, then neatly stitch around the edges with machine thread for a neat border. Now use stitches or fabric glue to attach it anywhere you choose! Need to know Stitch Time 3-4 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 black (720) aida measuring 12x12cm (4x4in) for each design. To buy, visit…

Valerie Burnley USA Which project are you most proud of? I’m torn between my wedding sampler – the chart was from Cross Stitch Gold issue 109 – and a University of Georgia bulldog, which I designed and stitched for my husband! Can you describe your stitching style? Ever-changing. I joined a guild a few years ago and I’ve gone from mostly Janlynn kits to lots of samplers and hand-dyed threads. How cross stitch crazy are you? If I don’t get out my stitching in the evening, my husband asks me if I’m feeling okay! Who taught you to cross stitch? My mom. She taught me when I was in high school, but I dropped it as I didn’t have the patience. After I graduated and started working full time, I…

What a hoot! Make sure you always have scissors and spare needles to hand with this stylish tool case by Nathalie Lété. The case is decorated with colourful owl and bird paintings, and the insides are lined with magnets as well as elastic straps to secure your tools. The case costs around £24.54 and also comes with embroidery scissors, a scissor case, needles and a pack of four woven labels that read ‘this took forever’! International shipping costs may apply. To buy, visit www.sublimestitching.com Pretty as a picture We love dreaming of fun days out, Cornish breaks and trips to the harbourside. Imagine strolling about as you admire the colourful buildings and cheery boats! Now we can capture that holiday feeling in stitches with Fowey Harbour, a new design from…

These beautiful line art animals will make you feel like you’re doodling on your aida! Worked on navy fabric in bright white thread, these designs include whole stitches in three strands and fractionals, but mainly consist of backstitch in one or two threads. This variety helps create different thicknesses and interesting effects! We think these three look great together, but they would also make stunning gifts stitched individually. Go on, get in touch with your wild side! Need to know Stitch Time 20 hours for the set (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count navy (589) aida measuring 18x18cm (7x7in) for the butterfly, 20.5x20.5cm (8x8in) for the owl and…

Floating through the sky, feeling the warmth of the breeze and watching as the world passes by beneath you – riding a hot air balloon can be such a magical experience! Plus, as balloons are so colourful and cheery, they’re a joy to look at even from the ground. Capture all the fun of a hot air ballon ride with these lovely mobiles, made by combining plastic canvas with mini pots and cord for a 3D finish. After stitching the sides of your balloon, turn to our guide on page 58 to learn how to complete it. Then, hang it up and await the oohs and aahs! Need to know Stitch Time 26 hours per balloon (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed…

LOVE IS IN THE AIR We’re head over heels with this sassy lady. She’s spreading joy all around! The Miss Heart kit is yours for £29.49 from Bothy Threads at www.bothythreads.com, or call ☎ 01900 828 844. SWEET REPEAT Your loved one’s heart will skip a beat when they see this pretty Coloris Heart chart. It’s £2.99 to download from Sew and So at www.sewandso.co.uk, or for more info call ☎ 0800 013 0150. BUDDING ROMANCE Everything is coming up roses with this blooming lovely Floral Heart kit by Vervaco from Stitcher. How romantic! To buy, visit www.stitcher.co.uk or call ☎ 0161 464 7310.…

Take a dip and meet a bevy of beautiful mermaids – they’re here to give you and your Valentine a good chuckle this February! Created in just whole stitches and backstitch, these underwater scenes are ideal projects for stitchers of all abilities. Once you’ve stitched your chosen design, trim it neatly, fray the edges and patch onto a coordinating card or tag. Or, if you can’t bear to part with these pretty marine comedians, finish your stitches in little frames to display in your bathroom at home! Need to know Stitch Time 2-6 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 card…

Perfect for beginners Small, quick-to-stitch designs, such as the XL T-shirt opposite, are ideal to try if you’re new to stitching. For more simple designs, try these: ▶ PAGE 20 Rustic romance gifts ▶ PAGE 34 Crazy for… Scotland! ▶ PAGE 47 80s-style alphabet ▶ PAGE 73 Colourful birdhouses ▶ PAGE 74 Kawaii gem patches 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…