Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2019 i Cross Stitch Crazy

Katie Kegie Art Editor This month… “I’m planning to stitch fun gift tags using the cute dachshunds on page 34” Lou Smith Production Editor This month… “I’m going to patch all seven of the sloths on page 37 onto gift boxes!” Emily Godwin Designer This month… “I’ll make napkin holders with the pretty fairy lights alphabet on page 49” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “Heather’s 3D window scenes on page 58 are so clever and unique!” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “My three best friends are each getting a holiday mandala from page 28!” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “The snowglobe cards and tags on page 74 are perfect for all my family!”…

GIFT AVAILABLE with print edition of issue 261 only CALL ☎ 03330 162 133* TO BUY Combine timeless holiday charm with adorable festive details, and you’ll get this set of two delightful baubles! Spread some festive cheer by stitching a sprig of holly tied with a jaunty red bow, or bring a sweet winter robin to life as he nestles among the mistletoe branches. Then, make up your finish with the two shaped wooden ornaments, white backing felt and baker’s twine provided in your kit. These jolly designs are sure to be a fun challenge, as they both feature whole stitches, fractionals, French knots and backstitch in an array of fantastically festive shades. It shouldn’t take you too long to bring these tiny fancies to life, though. Once you’re finished,…

Stitch this fab portrait of modern music icon Ariana Grande for a super-fan you know! Ariana Grande has been taking the music world by storm ever since she belted out the lyrics to her first chart-topping song, Problem. Now, with even more hits like Side to Side and the more recent Thank U, Next under her belt, she’s become a non-stop musical phenomenon, wowing crowds with her impressive vocal range and lovable stage presence. So, turn up a track from her latest album and celebrate this pop princess in stitches today! Reader’s pick! Requested by ANN-MARIE WESCOTT 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…

SPLENDID STAG Go geometric this Christmas with this deer-lightful design from Dutch designer Happinnest, whose multi-hued stag is made up of whole stitches in eight fresh shades. Modern Deer Head Silhouette costs £4.30 for a downloadable chart. To buy, visit www.happinesst.etsy.com TREE-MENDOUS Minimalist Wintry Trees does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a stylish design that’s made up of just whole stitches in a simple colour palette. Buy the chart as a download for £3.84. To buy, visit www.dagmarstitches.etsy.com SIMPLY SCANDI This Snowflake kit uses a range of red-hued threads to create a pretty ombré effect. The finished design fits perfectly in a 4in hoop, which comes included in your kit. You’ll get 14-count aida, DMC threads, a needle and a chart for £12.80 plus additional shipping…

This magical selection features over 210 gorgeous designs to make this the best Christmas ever! Stitch sweet cards for your friends, make great gifts for your family and decorate your home with seasonal treats. Don’t miss this special issue – with advent calendars, a festive stocking, a fabulous gingerbread house and heaps of gorgeous gift ideas and must-stitch cards for all the family. Inside this issue: Classic Christmas scenes for your home, including snowman and friends, Santa in his sleigh and a picturesque snowy cottage You’ll love our quick gift tag designs and festive charts for last-minute cards Decorate your home with fabulous fairy lights designs, a yuletide alphabet and decorative typography Don’t miss our adorable pets cards – plus lots more designs to stitch for all the family Stitch…

For centuries, doves with olive branches clutched in their beaks have symbolised peace for cultures all around the world. Kay’s uplifting design depicts this universal sign in creamy shades, with seasonal flora such as holly, mistletoe and poinsettia in a surrounding wreath. The calming scene is set against an icy blue background, which provides a suitably wintry feel and complements the rustic colour palette and rich detail of the design. This boho stitch is a wonderfully soothing project to work on and is sure to bring the same feeling to your home décor this season! Need to know Stitch Time 40 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, French knots ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart…

Twinkling in evergreen trees, wrapped around banisters and draped over mantels, holiday lights have become a staple of our festive decorating. And now you can spread Christmas cheer as you spell out fun messages, signs and names using this colourful alphabet and numbers set made up of fairy lights! Each colourful chart is easy to stitch, using just six or seven whole stitches to fill up each of the light bulbs – ideal if you’re looking for a quick stash-busting project! And then the rest of the details, such as the swirling lines of ‘wire’ that make up each letter and the outlines of the light bulbs, are added using a single strand of backstitch. So, whether you need to stitch last-minute cards, whip up a set of gift tags…

Christmas cards 1 Check the size of your finishes against your cards before you begin making up. If you’re using aperture cards, make sure the aperture will fit your finished design. 2 Choose embellishments that aren’t too heavy or distracting – you don’t want your card to keep falling over because it’s top-heavy or for anything to hide your stitching. 3 For an easy way to add festive shimmer, try incorporating metallic threads into your design, perhaps for the baubles of a tree or wrapping on a present. 4 If you’re planning on making a large batch of cards, time how long it takes you to make the first one, from start to end. Then you’ll know how many you can make before the last December posting day. 5 Keep…

As the scent of freshly-baked gingerbread and sweet mince pies fills the air, turn your hand to these merry snowglobe stitches! Use them to surprise neighbours with home-baked goodies or send season’s greetings to far-flung friends. Patch them onto cards and tags, as we did here, or stick them straight onto a pretty tin or box for a quick-finish gift. Just keep an eye on your backstitch – the black is worked in one strand while the white is worked in two. Have fun stitching these mini winter wonderlands! 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 light blue (503) aida measuring 12x12cm…

… to the Christmas issue of Crazy! Our mailbox is already filled with letters from stitchers showing us their latest festive finishes, and we’re expecting to see loads more this winter. We love how passionate our readers get about stitching for the holidays! To help inspire you all this season, we’re stuffing this issue full of great designs, from big projects like the folk art winter cushion on page 42 to the quick-to-stitch Santa’s village motifs on page 20. And we know how much our readers love stitching cards for the loved ones on their ‘nice lists’, so we hope you’ll try Durene Jones’ timeless snowglobe cards and tags on page 74. Plus, you can deck your halls with the clever shaped decorations stitched on plastic canvas on page 66!…

Take a trek across the North Pole to discover Santa’s village! The elves are busy readying the sleigh and crafting presents in the workshop as St Nick puts the final touches on his Nice List. Join in on the fun and help Santa and his crew get ready by stitching these merry hangings, baubles, cards and more! Each design is quick and easy to make, so they’re ideal for any last-minute gifts you want to deliver on the big night. Need to know Stitch Time 1-6 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 - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs and 14-count 1in white aida band,…

Add an explosion of Christmas colour to your home with Emma’s fab trio! These hoops use repeated motifs to give classic mandalas a festive twist. Whether stitched individually or as a group, these bright beauties are sure to turn heads this holiday season! Need to know Stitch Time 40-45 hours for the set (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 18x18cm (7x7in) for the small design, 23x23cm (9x9in) for the medium design and 28x28cm (11x11in) for the large design. To buy, visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0333 050 1184 Extras - 4in (EH4), 6in (EH6) and 8in (EH8) wooden embroidery hoops. To buy, visit www.siestaframes.com or call…

Quick and easy to stitch one a night! Need to know Stitch Time 4-6 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 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) for each design. To buy, visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0333 050 1184 Extras - Backing papers and aperture cards of your choice from local stores or handmade; 6mm Double-Sided Super Sticky Tape from Lakeside Needlecraft…

Issue 260 – November Celebrate 20 years of Crazy, then wish the world a Merry Christmas with Emma Congdon’s cushion, party with wild pocket pals, stitch a tree for each season and more! YOUR GIFT Jolly Father Christmas wreath kit by James Hearne Issue 259 – October Belle & Boo exclusive YOUR GIFT Singing penguin card kit by Helz Cuppleditch Issue 258 – September Makiko exclusive YOUR GIFT Stylish luggage tag kit by Emma Congdon Issue 257 – August Julia Rigby exclusive YOUR GIFT 15 storytime character bookmark charts Issue 256 – July Tatty Teddy exclusive YOUR GIFT Butterfly hoop kit by Cheryl McKinnon Issue 255 – June Lee Holland exclusive YOUR GIFT Boat aperture card kit by Durene Jones Issue 254 – May Belle & Boo exclusive YOUR GIFT…

The perfect Christmas gift from A unique Christmas present they’ll continue to totheirdoor gardening, cooking, crafting, cars, music, wildlife and much more Remember ordering online is safe and secure, choose from any of these payment options ORDER NOW! Subscribing online is quick and easy. Visit buysubscriptions.com/christmas •mobile-friendly site •safe and secure •easy search or call our hotline 0330 053 8660† QUOTE CODE: X19AD SEE OUR FULL RANGE OF MAGAZINES ONLINE This offer closes on the 31st December 2019 and is valid for UK delivery addresses only. The discounts shown are savings calculated as a percentage of the full shop price, excluding Radio Times and Match of the Day which are calculated as a percentage of the Basic Annual Rate. For overseas rates visit www.buysubscriptions.com. All Christmas gift subscriptions…

£1,067 IN PRIZES TO BE WON! Creative Poppy digital vouchers! Get set for a Christmas of stitching with Creative Poppy Patterns’ yuletide designs! Twenty-five lucky readers will each win a £10 voucher to spend online at www.creativepoppypatterns.com, where you’ll find plenty of merry charts and kits to choose from. Take your pick from sassy seasonal ornaments, whimsical advent stitches, scandistyle greetings cards and lots more. For your chance to win, visit www.cross-stitching.com to enter for free, or send a postcard labelled ‘Creative Poppy 261 giveaway’ to the address listed below. Mouseloft Christmas kits! Get excited for the coming festivities with these ready-to-stitch mini motifs! Mouseloft’s new Make Me For Christmas range includes a gingerbread man, robin, Santa, snowman, festive unicorn and penguin – perfect for cards and more! We have…

Understanding charts and keys Follow the steps below for an introduction to getting started, then use the simple instructions opposite to learn each stitch! Perfect for beginners Small, quick-to-stitch designs, such as the honey pot opposite, are ideal to try if you’re new to stitching. For more simple designs, try these: ▸ PAGE 20 Santa’s village gifts ▸ PAGE 34 Festive dachshunds ▸ PAGE 48 Nativity scene motifs ▸ PAGE 49 Christmas lights abc ▸ PAGE 66 Colourful ornaments Reading the chart Our charts are printed with coloured squares containing symbols that represent 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…

Emma Taylor Sowerby Bridge Which project are you most proud of? The one I’m currently working on, Bothy Threads’ Beach Hut Fun. It’s my largest challenge yet and I’ve only ever fully finished small kits until now. How would you describe your stitching style? Slow! People may find this a little strange, but I can’t stitch with my dominant hand – my left one – at all, so I stitch with my right. Who’s your favourite character to stitch? Margaret Sherry’s cats and mice – I love them! Who do you most like to stitch for? Family and friends! I’ve already started this year’s tree decorations for everyone. Which occasion gets your needle twitching? Christmas! I love the time spent with family. All of the lovely stitching is just a…

Star letter You’re a winner! Christine Smith Calm waters As soon as I saw the koi carp hoops in Crazy issue 252, I knew I’d have to stitch one for my boss’ 65th birthday, as she keeps koi carp. I enjoyed stitching it and deciding how best to display it in a card. I hope my project will inspire other stitchers! Christine Smith, Berkshire Alison says: I’d be absolutely thrilled to receive a card like this one, Christine! You’ve done such a terrific job putting it all together. And I love the way the glitter glue you’ve used adds a shimmering, watery look to the finished card – it really looks as if these koi carp are swirling around in a pond! WIN! Each month, our Star letter winner receives…

Sugar and spice Make lost needles a thing of the past this winter – and do it in adorable style – with this sweet and festive needle minder! Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s Gingerbread Man needle minder uses glossy enamel to create a cookie character wearing bold gumdrop buttons, a prim and proper bowtie and wavy icing cuffs. And, as he comes equipped with two strong magnets, your needle is sure to stay right where you park it each time! Costing £8.35, he complements the Deck the Halls stitchalong, which you can discover at the website below! To buy, visit www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com or call ☎ 07834 906 193 Back to blackwork Try something new with this stylish blackwork design from Goldleaf Needlework. Art Deco Geometric is a retro beauty in black and gold…

Back issues! Crazy hotline ☎ 03330 162 133† Reader’s pick! Requested by EVE WITHERINGTON 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! Name ……………………………………………………………………………………………. I’m crazy for …………………………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Because ……………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Fill in and cut out this coupon (or photocopy it) and send it to: Crazy for… Cross Stitch Crazy, Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST or email your requests to: crazyfor@cross-stitching.com…

Wedding present My mum, granny and I are all huge fans of Crazy! I grew up in a family of stitchers and am very proud to be a fifth generation cross stitch enthusiast. This is my first time writing in to Crazy, though! I wanted to share the loveliest gift I’ve ever received – my sweet granny’s wedding present for me. This masterpiece took her six months to complete, and I’ll cherish it forever. The piece is called The Wedding and shows a father and his daughter on her big day. The reflection in the mirror shows her as a little girl dancing with him. I wanted to share it with you all! Gloria Gateva-Kesterton, Oxfordshire Alison says: Congratulations, Gloria – to you, for your wedding, and to your granny,…

WINTER WARMER This splendid chap is taking no chances with winter chills in his snug red scarf. The Snowy Snowman card kit by Fat Cat is available from Stitcher at www.stitcher.co.uk for £5.05. DANCING ON ICE All eyes are on this graceful fellow as he glides across the ice! The Skating Snowman card kit is from Mouseloft’s Stitchlets Christmas range and costs £3.09 from www.mouseloft.co.uk WHITE CHRISTMAS For a folky feel, try this festive snowman! Part of the Petite Faby Three Little Christmas Cards set, which also includes Santa and an angel, the PDF costs £7 from www.creativepoppypatterns.com…

Bring a new dimension to your stitching with these fabulous festive windows! Each frame is full of details to enjoy, from a village scene to stockings hung with care. To allow for layering, the background is stitched on aida while the foreground uses perforated paper. Just cut out the unstitched areas to make the windows! Turn to page 64 to learn how to put your finished winter wonderlands together. Need to know Stitch Time 15-18 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 18x18cm (7x7in) for each background design. To buy, visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0333 050 1184; 14-count white perforated paper measuring 18x18cm (7x7in)…

Trim the tree with these colourful creations and you’ll be jingling all the way through the holidays! Made using whole stitches on plastic canvas, they’re easy to stitch and easy to make up, too. Simply cut out the design leaving a one-square border, keeping extra areas of canvas at the top and in the centre to make the loop holes. Thread string with beads and a bell, pass the thread through the centre loop hole and back through itself to secure. Then, just thread ribbon through the loop at the top and hang up your new festive ornament! Need to know Stitch Time 6-8 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric -…

Let your stitching – and your home décor – shine with these modern and colourful takes on the classic Christmas star this season! Flying colours £4.91, Geometrical Star by Knit Sew Make www.knitsewmake.etsy.com Stitch a shining star in all the colours of the rainbow! This vibrant chart will look fabulous at Christmas and all year round. It measures 17.5x17.5cm (7x7in) if stitched on 14-count aida, and the chart is supplied as a PDF. Rising star £4.20, Christmas Star by Climbing Goat Designs www.climbinggoatdesigns.etsy.com This pretty design is made up of smaller stars in a classic Christmas colour palette of red, green, gold and silver. It’s a simple idea with a striking overall effect. Worked in whole stitches, it’s great for beginners who want a colourful challenge. All smiles £2.40, Happy…