Table of contents for September 2017 in Cross Stitch Crazy

Stacey Black Art Editor This month... “Helz Cuppleditch’s playful panda on page 10 really makes me smile!” Alison Maney Production Assistant This month... “I’m stitching the modern florals from page 62, just in case I need a card…” Leela Roy Designer This month... “I love the fresh, vibrant colours in this month’s gift ideas on page 20” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month... “I’m so pleased with my damask abc on page 39 – I hope you all like it!” Abi Barker Projects Coordinator This month... “The cake cards on page 49 are super quick to stitch and look so pretty” Heather Nugent Charting Assistant This month... “The colourful biscornus on page 44 are just what I need to keep my stash tidy!” www.facebook.com/ crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/ crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com 0117 933…

GIFT AVAILABLE with print edition of issue 232 only03330 162 133 Find a few moments of tranquility while you stitch this mother and baby fox! The pair, done up in just whole stitches and backstitch, are a breeze to make. All you have to do is switch off and whisk yourself away to an autumn woodland! Inside your kit you’ll find all you need to start stitching today – including a pretty pink embroidery hoop. Take the time to enjoy each stitch of this modern make, taking care with the backstitch in the foxes’ faces and the intricate patterns on the mother’s tail, as well as the swaths of orange on her fur. Every time you return to stitch this duo, you’ll discover something new to love about them! When…

No spoilers here – but if you’re as excited as we are about the new series of Game of Thrones, then we have a stitch for you! This month you can create your own portrait of actress Emilia Clarke, best known for playing Daenerys Targaryen in this hugely popular TV series. With a character so full of strength and charisma, you’ll be inspired with every stitch! Frame her for a Game of Thrones fanatic, or for your hubby if he has a bit of a crush on the Mother of Dragons! Reader’s pick! Requested by LINDSEY BULLARD 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…

SEED BEADS INTO THE MIX Surprise yourself with this Summer Brights seed bead and glass bead mix, priced at £1.49 per 10 grams. To buy, visit www.beadsdirect.co.uk or call 01509 218 028 PASTEL PASSION Brighten up any project with these Pastel Multicolour seed beads from Abakhan! We love the bright pink ones. To buy, visit www.abakhan.co.uk or call 01745 562 133 LOVELY AS A ROSE Try some trendy Rose Gold Plated Brass Rondelle seed beads in your next stitch. To buy, visit www.jewellerymaker.com…

Stand with Manchester We’re constantly impressed by our Crazy stitchers. So when we posted a free Manchester worker bee chart after the bombing at Manchester Arena, we were proud – but not surprised! – to see it go viral in our stitching community. Several Crazy readers shared images of their bee projects with us, and a few told us how they plan to give a stitchy bee to friends or family affected by the attack. We even saw the bee pop up in stitchers’ Facebook profile pictures! Special thanks to Facebook user Amanda Billingham for suggesting the chart, and to Faithe Moffett, Gillian Lawson, Micki Willows, Sally Barber and Vicci Thornley for sharing their beautiful Manchester worker bee projects with us. And of course, many thanks go to Lucie Heaton,…

Quick and easy to stitch one a night! Need to know Stitch Time 5-6 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 design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - Trimcraft Pretty Posy First Edition Paper Pad 15.2x15.2cm (6x6in); white cardstock of your choice from local stores…

A s leaves burst into fiery colours and a frosty nip returns to the air, this country mill is busier than ever! Some birds soar through the sky, heading south for the winter, while others forage for food or bathe in the river. The mill churns its continuous wheel and the windows light up as the people bustle about inside. And yet, despite all this activity, the scene remains calm and balanced – everything is as it should be. Tap into this serene landscape when you stitch this classic project, using fractionals, whole stitches and backstitch. Go on, have a wander! Need to know Stitch Time 55 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24…

No more knots! 1 Optimum thread length for stitching is 30cm (12in) – short enough to stop you getting in a tangle. 2 Found a pesky knot in your thread? Don’t worry, it could just be a very tight twist! Insert the blunt end of a spare needle into one of the loops of the knot. Give it a gentle pull and the tangle may come loose. 3 Never use knots to secure your thread as these can make the back of your design bulky, causing problems when you mount your work. Instead, run your thread through the back of completed stitches. 4 Every few stitches, let your needle hang loose. This will help prevent your thread from snarling up, and the untwisted strands will also lie flatter on the…

T hese lovable characters can’t wait to brighten up your day! Kids can pick from cute clouds, a smiling sun or a sweet unicorn in this trio of easy-to-stitch designs. The charts use whole stitches with a bit of backstitch, so they’re perfect for beginners. Once you’ve stitched your favourite, you can turn these charming motifs into patches for your backpack, pencil case or even for your clothes. Simply cut around the design leaving a generous border, and add iron- on interfacing to the back. Trim to size, then neatly stitch all around the edge using coloured thread. Now you can add your patch to anything using stitches or fabric glue! Need to know Stitch Time 3-4 hours each Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton…

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…

... to the September issue of Crazy! I love it when summer just starts to turn into autumn, so I’ve packed this month’s magazine full of charts that celebrate the season. Start with your free gift – a gorgeous fox hoop kit! It’ll only take you an evening to stitch, and then you’ll be ready for the wonderful woodland gift ideas over on page 20. There’s more for nature fans, too – new designer Clare Buswell has a stunning set of bird hoops on page 28 that are quick and easy to stitch, or for a bigger project turn to page 56 and try Lesley Teare’s autumn cottage scene. If you want to decorate a backpack ready for your next adventure (or the school run!) try the cute patches on…

Crisp leaves crinkle underfoot, squirrels scurry across your path and a fresh autumn breeze rushes through the air as you stroll across woodland on a refreshing September day. Capture the adventurous spirit of autumn when you stitch these folk-inspired motifs, designed by Emma Congdon to suit the season! These quick-to-stitch projects will give you inspiration for autumnal cards and gifts galore. Need to know Stitch Time 2-8 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 and 14-count 2in wide white aida band cut to desired length. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - American…

Y ou may have met this colourful cast of characters while sitting in your garden on a sunny day, or perhaps you’ve heard them singing during a stroll in the local park. However you know them, you’ll meet these quintessentially British birds – the blue tit, the robin, the green woodpecker and the bullfinch – again when you stitch them to life in these beautiful hoops. Stitched in whole stitches with a few fractionals, they’re as easy to stitch as they are to spot! Use them to decorate your home, or stitch them as a gift for a keen ‘twitcher’ in your life. Need to know Stitch Time 7-9 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle -…

Bursting with brilliant brights and on-trend ombré, these rainbow pincushions are the height of style! Add a splash of colour to your stash when you make up these biscornus using the handy instructions on page 48. You’ll love their simple repeating patterns, stitched in easy whole stitches and the slightest bit of backstitch. Pick your favourite design to create one for yourself, or make them into fun party favours for a stitching get-together For the centre of each biscornu, you’ll want a unique button or embellishment to add a personal touch. If you don’t have any in your craft supplies already, explore your local charity shops to seek out unusual finds. Soon your stash will be as cool as you are! Need to know Stitch Time 12-15 hours each (approx)…

Heritage Crafts kits John Clayton’s new kit for Heritage Crafts (www.hcrafts.com), Rose, is a delight. The latest addition to the Elegance range, the kit comes complete with fabric, thread, needle and full instructions. In her elegant pink dress with floral detail, Rose will make a lovely project! To win, text CSC232ROSE, your name, postal address and email address to 87474 (texts will be charged at 50p plus your standard network rate) or label your postcard ‘Heritage Crafts Rose 232 giveaway’. Bothy Threads prizes If you adore long, lazy days on the beach, you’ll love this design! Win one of 10 Deckchair Fun kits from Bothy Threads (www.bothythreads.com) and relive those blissful moments in the sun as you stitch. This latest addition to Bothy’s catalogue is part of the Fun series,…

You don’t need a special occasion to make someone’s day! Stitch up these thoughtful sentiments and give a friend, neighbour or family member a card they’re sure to treasure. These pretty projects are filled with intricate florals worked in whole stitches only, with plenty of backstitch detail to keep you busy. As these stylish yet classic designs work well for anyone, you could stitch a few versions to have on hand just in case you need a card at the last minute! New to team Crazy, you can find more designs by Dana Batho online at peacockandfig.com Need to know Need to know Stitch Time 2-5 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList... Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry…

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 earmuffs opposite, are ideal to try if you’re new to stitching. For more simple designs, try these: PAGE 8 Fox and cub hoop PAGE 16 Tiny tiger PAGE 20 Woodland gift ideas PAGE 36 Hairdressing motifs PAGE 74 Backpack patches 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…

Lindsey Bluff Cleveland Which cross stitch designer would be your dream dinner party guest? Durene Jones. Her designs are always really colourful and fun, so I imagine she would have the same personality and be easy to get on with. Which project are you most proud of? Janlynn’s Mythical Dragon. I stitched this a few years ago. It was my first time stitching on black aida and using blending filament. How cross stitch crazy are you? Very! I’ve been stitching since I was nine. I’m 35 now and still addicted – I even met my husband through a friend I met on the cross-stitching.com forums. We’ve been married for 10 years this year! Who is your favourite character to stitch? Popcorn the bear and friends – they’re all so mischievous…

Hear ye, hear ye! The queen has an announcement – and she’s sure to make it in this decadent damask alphabet. Damask fabric has long been considered a symbol of wealth and luxury, desired worldwide since it appeared on the Silk Road in the Middle Ages. It’s just the thing to help you feel glamorous when you stitch yourself a new door sign, or use it to adorn your make-up bag. These letters are also the perfect size for creating personalised cards and gift tags. Alternatively, stitch your own initial to create an elegant keyring – there will be no mistaking which set is yours! To amplify the sumptuous feel of these stitches, the letters include fractionals as well as whole stitches and backstitch to make the lines of the…

SHED HEAVEN Summertime, featuring a pretty shed and colourful flowers, celebrates the joys of gardening in the sunshine. Buy for £16 from www.thestitchingshed.co.uk or call 07876 023 302. BLOOMING LOVELY Lose yourself in the beautiful blooms and tangle of stems in this gorgeous Welcome to my Garden chart, costing £7.99 and available exclusively at www.creativepoppypatterns.com FLOWER POWER Stitch this cute card for the greenfingered person in your life! The simple design won’t take long to stitch. The Garden Delights Card Kit from www.fatcatcrossstitch.com costs £4.95.…

First look Save-the-dates and invitations are important to get right, as they’re your guests’ first glimpse at your wedding. They tell party-goers what to expect from the day – the dress code, the theme and how much fun they’ll have! Stitching your invitations is a great way to add a handmade touch and make your guests feel special from the start. A sampler-style design like this one would work brilliantly as a save-the-date or attached as part of a wedding invitation. As this design is quite large, stitch it once, photograph it and print the image on your invitations or attach the photo with doublesided tape. It’s available as a chart (£8) or kit (£22) from www.nia-crossstitch.com. If you want to stitch a design for each invitation, consider small wedding-themed…

Frozen treats are a yummy way to stay cool in the sunshine. These scrumptious charts will keep you satisfied stitching-wise, too! Three cheers £7.14, Retro Ice Cream Trio by Stitchrovia www.stitchrovia.etsy.com This bold chart features three much-loved lollies, which can be stitched together or individually. In whole cross stitches, they’re easy to complete! These are stitched on 14-count Bright Ideas Polar Ice aida from www.sewandso.co.uk All the colours £0.19, Rainbow Ice Cream by Daily Cross Stitch www.dailycrossstitch.com What we wouldn’t give to eat one of these cones right now! The chart comes as an instant download, so at least you can get stitching it straight away! Stitch it on 14-count aida for a finished size of 6x12.5cm (2½x5in). Piled high £3.36, Ice Cream Cone by Stomp Creations www.stompcreations.etsy.com Three scoops…