Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2020 i Cross Stitch Crazy

Emma Jones Art Editor This month… “I plan to put the lavender sachets from page 48 in all my dresser drawers” Lou Smith Production Editor This month… “I’m going to try stitching on perforated paper with the card kit* from page 8!” Emily Godwin Designer This month… “Barbra Streisand is my hero, so I’ll be stitching her portrait from page 19” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “I’m obsessed with Maria Diaz’s adorable guinea pigs on page 34!” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “My dad will love the car motifs on page 77 – I’m going to make him a card” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “I’m definitely going to stitch all the cute kokeshi dolls on page 42!”…

Springtime greetings don’t get much cheerier than these! Choose from one of two gorgeous designs – either a cute spotty teapot and pink cuppa or a dear little blue tit perched on a cherry blossom branch. Whether you want to send heartfelt thanks, birthday wishes or a quick Mother’s Day card, either of these sweet motifs would be just the ticket. Start stitching one straight away with your new perforated card kit! Your kit includes a beautifully illustrated greetings card with a perforated area on the front for your chosen design, as well as a matching white envelope. You’ll also find all the threads you need to stitch either chart inside – they include a combination of pretty pinks and china blues, plus a soft green, a slate grey and…

Since bursting onto the scene in 1960, Barbra Streisand has become one of the most successful personalities in show business. Whether she’s belting out a hit in her vibrant soprano voice or wowing audiences with her acting talent, she’s definitely earned her place as an entertainment legend. Not only has the talented actress, singer and filmmaker won several Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards, she’s one of the bestselling recording artists of all time! So, whether you know and love her from films like A Star is Born or can’t help but hum Somewhere, we’re sure you’ll enjoy stitching this Funny Girl’s glamorous portrait! Reader’s pick! Requested by SEAN STIRLING Who would you like to see as a Crazy Celeb stitch? It might be your favourite singer, a Hollywood icon…

Designed by Lucie Heaton Need to know Stitch Time 3-5 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 12x12cm (4 x4 in) for each design. To buy, visit www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk or call 0161 505 1910 Extras - Kraft cards with hand-cut apertures and handmade papers of your choice from local stores…

Designed by Sosae Caetano A s with the traditional wooden kokeshi dolls, these designs are beautifully simple and filled with charm. With their colourful costumes, unique hairstyles and rosy cheeks, there’s plenty to love about each little character! The charts all have large areas of colour so they’re nice and easy to follow for beginners, plus you only need to work a tiny amount of backstitch for their eyes and lips. We’ve turned ours into cute decorations by adding backing fabric, a little stuffing and some ribbon for hanging! l Need to know Stitch Time 8-10 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 21x17cm (8…

Designed by Fiona Baker You’ll feel instantly relaxed and refreshed when you begin stitching these mini lavender motifs! Fiona has created six delightful charts, including a watering can, a potted plant and two gorgeous garlands, each stitched onto crisp white evenweave. You can even personalise your chosen design with a monogram – just use the alphabet on page 51. We’ll also show you how to put together the sachets themselves on page 52, each finished with pretty lace edging and a dainty ribbon bow! l Need to know Stitch Time 2-4 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 28-count white evenweave measuring 21x15cm (8x6in) for each design. To buy,…

ACTIVE STITCHING! We’re impressed by Kristen Gawronski’s dedication to both stitching and running! Kristen shares her crafting and exercise endeavours on her blog www.thexstitchingrunner.blog. There, you’ll find articles covering everything from this year’s stitching plans to her running distance goals. Kristen also offers up fun challenges and thoughtful prompts about everything from stitching memories to chart preferences. We recommend dropping by for a relaxing read between stitching sessions, or for a spot of motivation and inspiration! Download of the month www.gathered.how/CSC Decorate your own ORT jar or finish off handmade gifts with Susan Bates’ cotton thread design – free to download online! Tutorial of the month www.peacockandfig.com Add some bling to your next project when you follow Peacock and Fig’s guide for using Japan Threads with your stitching. Pin of…

SPOILT FOR CHOICE Watch Mr Hedgehog’s adorable antics in four sweet designs that would be perfect for cards. These Durene Jones charts are downloadable for £4.80 at www.durenejcrossstitch.etsy.com NEEDLE WORK This sleepy chap looks like he’s ready for some careful cuddles! Download the darling Hedgehog chart from The Little Stitchery at www.thelittlestitcheryuk.etsy.com for £8.39. HIDE AND SEEK Vibrant foliage is the perfect cover for a bashful hedgehog. This Stitching Land downloadable Hedgehog chart, all in whole stitches, costs £4.32 from www.stitchingland.etsy.com…

Designed by Heather Nugent The Arabic word ‘Eid’ means ‘feast’ or ‘festival’, so it’s no wonder that these vibrant designs have a real celebratory feel! Each little cityscape features mosques and other buildings set against a starry sky, along with a lovely backstitched greeting – ideal for mixing and matching. Using whole stitches and backstitch only, you’ll be finished in plenty of time to mount your stitching with patterned paper for a perfect finish. Happy Eid! Need to know Stitch Time 3-6 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 (4 x4 in) for each card and 10x10cm (4x4in) for each tag. To buy, visit…

All this and more in issue 268 YOUR GIFT!* DURENE JONES’ 2-IN-1 BOOKMARK AND CARD KIT! Feeling free range Decorate with this darling trio of chickens Classically cute Bring this pretty character to life It’s playtime! Don’t miss this wild puppet show Dad’s big day Say thank you this Father’s Day with charming animal cards and tags Up and away Have fun at the beach! Vroom, vroom! Treat Dad to a car word cloud Beside the sea Celebrate a new arrival with these seaside critters! Nautically nice Set sail with these lighthouse scenes From all good newsagents To subscribe ☎ 03330 162 133 Calls from landlines will cost up to 9p per minute. Call charges for mobile phones will cost will cost between 3p and 55p per minute but are included…

… to the May issue of Crazy! I feel like this is the season for new adventures. I’ve done a bit of travelling in Europe this month, and I can’t wait to go again. Next on my list – Paris! While I save up for another trip, I’ll stitch Lesley Teare’s Eiffel Tower design from page 28. Or, I’ll celebrate a different kind of adventure – a new baby! A friend of mine is expecting, so I’ll stitch her the wild-animal baby sampler, card or tag from page 62. I’ll choose which to stitch depending on how much time I have! I wonder what adventures you’ll find in the pages of this issue, stitchers. You might opt to remember past exploits with the 1950s diner gift ideas on page 20,…

Exclusive to Crazy! What a charming scene we’ve happened upon! These merry mice and their long-whiskered feline friend have been busy in the kitchen baking a tasty birthday treat. Now, with cupcake and balloon at the ready, they’re on their way to a special someone’s surprise party! And you’ll feel like partying too when you stitch this fun scene for a loved one. Work the main design in easy whole stitches and then bring the cuddly characters to life with plenty of backstitch. Check your calendar for a friend’s upcoming birthday and get stitching! Need to know Stitch Time 40 hours (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 parchment (3130)…

Designed by Cheryl McKinnon Burgers, sundaes, shakes, doughnuts, fries – we’re getting hungry just looking at these delicious diner motifs! But it’s not all about the food and drink, as Cheryl has created a whole host of 1950s-style designs, from jukeboxes to cool cars. If you were a fan of Grease and Happy Days, then you’re sure to dig these retro makes. So, get stitching and make hangings for the kitchen, party decorations, fun cards and more! l 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 and 14-count clear plastic canvas measuring a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs. To…

Designed by Lesley Teare T ravel to Paris from the comfort of your living room as you stitch this springtime design, featuring the famous Eiffel Tower. Lesley has perfectly captured the romance of the landmark, with the striking magnolias that grow at its base and a few delicate blue butterflies in the air. As you work your way through the whole stitches, let your mind drift to thoughts of the bustling cafés, boutiques and museums of the city. Then, when you’ve added the backstitch details, try making your stitch up into a stylish hanging or cushion to give your home décor a fresh Parisian look – after all, Paris is always a good idea! l Need to know Stitch Time 27 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch…

Stitchers, you’ve shown us time and time again that you’re always at the ready to help others. Well, now nature is calling out for your stitching aid! Back from the Brink is a conservation project focused on saving 20 species from extinction, including the seven animals and plants shown in our cards on the previous pages. “Back from the Brink is one of the most ambitious conservation projects ever undertaken,” says James Harding-Morris, the project’s communications manager. “It also aims to benefit over 200 more species through 19 projects that span England – from Cornwall to Northumberland.” Together for nature James tells us that this will be the first time that so many different conservation organisations have come together to focus on a shared goal – bringing some of England’s…

Rockin’ rocker! When I saw this old rocking chair for sale online, I knew I had to give this project a go. I saw that someone else had stitched on one last year, which is what inspired me. It took me four months in total, as I had to stain the chair and dye the yarn, but the actual stitching took around 20 hours. I made ‘needles’ out of pipe cleaners and I followed Ringcat’s Honeycomb and Bee design from Etsy for the stitching. I’ve got a cosy little reading nook in my bedroom and that’s where my new chair now sits. I enjoyed stitching on this rocking chair so much that I’ve already got a second rocker that I’m working on and several friends – who have their own…

Designed by Emma Congdon We can almost hear the squeals of delight coming from children – and adults! – everywhere as they set their eyes upon this alphabet and numbers set. Emma has captured all the fairytale elements we love, bringing a gorgeous fantasy feel to each and every design. Worked in whole stitches with a hint of backstitch for some of the stars, these letters and numbers are perfect for stitchers of all abilities – just take time over the metallic touches to make sure your threads don’t get twisted or tangled. We’ve combined a few letters to make a name plaque, but there are so many ways to put this magical set of characters to use. A simple birthday card with the recipient’s initial or name on it…

Stitching large designs 1 Try using a frame rather than an embroidery hoop for larger projects. Choose one that stands on the floor or even one that will sit on your lap to give your arms a rest. 2 If you’re wondering if you’ll meet a deadline, time how long it takes you to stitch a block of 30 by 30 stitches, then calculate how many blocks there are in the piece and multiply the two figures. 3 To keep your motivation going, take a break from your large project and stitch something a bit smaller every once in a while. 4 Grid your fabric with contrasting thread in running stitch before you start your project. It will make counting stitches and keeping your place much easier. 5 Larger designs…

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 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 The centres of our cross stitch charts are marked out using small arrows on the edge of each side of a 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 horizontally,…

Sara Westerdahl Sweden Which project are you most proud of? The sampler I stitched for my niece. It’s Harry Potter themed because one parent is a fan. It was also my largest project. I hope it brings my niece joy! How would you describe your stitching style? I like subversive stitching, classic samplers with a twist and other designs like those. How cross stitch crazy are you? I’m definitely in hoarding territory now! I love collecting pretty threads, fabrics and charts. Which occasion gets your needle twitching? All birthdays and holidays. It’s my goal this year to stitch and send more cards. When I’m not stitching, you’ll find me… Curled up on the couch either reading, playing video games or watching films or TV. Sarah Burns Woodley How would you…

Star letter Winter wonder I’ve just completed The SnowmanTM scene from issue 262. I added some sparkle by using DMC metallic threads to stitch the buttons and Kreinik Metallic Very Fine No. 4 Braid to stitch the trees. Penny Wareing, Chester Alison says: I’m so glad you shared your finish with us, Penny. The glitzy threads you added look stunning, and the gold frame you chose really brings this whole piece together. You’re a winner! Penny Wareing WIN! This month’s Star Letter winner will receive this Afternoon Tea kit from Genny Haines’ In the Hen House range. The kit is worth £18 and includes 14-count white aida, threads, a needle and a chart. It measures 19.5x13.5cm (7 x5 in). For more info, visit www. goldleafneedlework.co.uk or call 01482 571 120.…

Wild line up! These colourful cuties are marching and hooting their way into our hearts! New to The Karen Carter Collection, both the Elephants on Parade and Owls on Parade designs come as kits with your choice of 14-count aida or 27-count evenweave. They cost £27.56 each and measure 37.5x10.5cm (14 x4in) – great for turning into canvases or hangings for a little one’s bedroom or newborn’s nursery. To buy, visit www.hcrafts.com or call? 01889 575 256 CRAZY loves! Viva la Frida! Celebrate the cultural icon that is Frida Kahlo when you stitch this gorgeous portrait by Barbara Ana. Whether you’re a Frida fan yourself or just know someone who is, you’ll find so much to love about this mini masterpiece. We especially love that the prolific Mexican artist is…

Designed by Maria Diaz Previously, you’ve been Crazy for… Hummingbirds Issue 266 Funny frogs Issue 265 Maps and globes Issue 264 Highland cows Issue 263 Back issues! Crazy hotline 03330 162 133† Reader’s pick! Requested by CORINNE HUDSON 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, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST or email your requests to: crossstitchcrazy@immediate.co.uk…

Willow tit The UK’s most threatened resident bird, the willow tit likes to nest in standing stumps of rotting deadwood. Pine marten These adorable members of the weasel family can live up to 10 years in the wild and are on the rise in Scotland! Grey long-eared bat These rare bats can be spotted flying over wildflower meadows at night along the south coast of England. Pheasant’s eye This once-common flower can grow up to 50cm tall and is now only found at a handful of sites across the country. Interrupted brome This native grass was saved by one lecturer growing his own collection. All existing plants are descended from his. Shrill carder bee Named for its high-pitched buzz, this once-widespread bumblebee depends on wildflowers such as red clover. Chequered…

“On bobbins in numerical order, which are in boxes in a bag. It makes finding shades quicker! The bag has pockets too, where I keep speciality threads.” Deborah Richardson, Peterlee “In colour order in storage boxes. All my duplicates are currently housed in a gift bag. I have so many colours but still never seem to have the ones that I need!” Paula Milne, Perth “My husband bought me a set of wooden drawers that fit on my shelves. I have all my threads in them with lots of room to spare – I’m such a lucky lady!” Pops Morfitt, Hull Coming up… What’s your all-time favourite covergift from Crazy, and why? Email your answer to crossstitchcrazy@immediate.co.uk Meet up! Join one of Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers’ 137 groups across the…

OVER £1,019 IN PRIZES TO BE WON! Creative Poppy vouchers! Get stuck into spring with Creative Poppy Patterns – they have charts featuring fab floral motifs, cute blackwork designs, playful animals and more. This month, 25 winners will scoop up a £10 voucher for www.creativepoppypatterns.com. For your chance to win, visit www.gathered.how/CSC to enter for free, or send a note or card labelled ‘Creative Poppy 267 giveaway’ to the address listed below. PRIZES WORTH 25 £250 LoveCrafts gift cards! This crafty website is bursting with exciting inspiration for your next projects – and it’s a great place to grab all the materials and threads you need to stitch them, too! Enter our competition for the chance to win one of five £50 vouchers to spend on goodies online at www.lovecrafts.com.…

Designed by Durene Jones We know you love stitching for little ones – that’s why we asked Durene to design these wildly cute charts! A wise elephant, cheeky monkey and brave lion are just a few of the animals here to welcome a child into the world in this sweet set. We made our sampler into a canvas for a modern look, while the tag and card are mounted in hand-cut apertures using animal-print papers for a fun finish! Need to know Stitch Time 3-28 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 35x 35cm (13¾x13¾in) for the sampler, 15x15cm (6x6in) for the…

Life’s better when you have a brew on hand. Tea drinking and stitching are two of our favourite activities – just be careful not to spill your cuppa! Number one job £3.67, But First, Tea by Xandra Stitch www.xandrastitch.etsy.com Hang this somewhere prominent in your home so everyone’s well aware of your priorities! Use 10 colours to stitch it on 14-, 16- or 18-count white or cream aida, which will provide a fab contrast to the black teapot. Climbing china £4.75, Furry Tales Tea Party by Lucie Heaton www.lucieheaton.com Lucie’s ever-popular Furry Tales mice are back in this frolicsome scene, full of colour, fun and mayhem. Three mischievous mice are climbing a tower of teacups – here’s hoping they make it to the top without smashing the lot! Tick tock…

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…