Table of contents for August 2018 in Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the August issue of Crazy! This month, it’s all about summer with an incredible 170 sunshine-filled charts to make you smile! Look inside your free designer chart book to find plenty of fresh ideas for revamping your home with stitches – plus, use your two metallic threads to add extra shimmer and style. If you’re heading to the seaside, you’ll love the elegant coastal gift ideas on page 20, or turn to page 36 to discover Poppy Benner’s bright summer houses. For those seeking a mindful moment, try Emma Congdon’s gorgeous yin and yang hoop on page 50 – I love that it’s worked in whole stitches only! Cheryl McKinnon brings us a stunning set of pretty festival accessories on page 42, too, which is already top of…

One of the biggest movie stars of the 20th century, John Wayne had a storied Hollywood career that lasted for nearly 50 years. Most famous for his roles as brave, salt-of-the-earth cowboys, he starred in hit after hit from the late 1930s to the 1970s, and even won an Academy Award for his memorable role in True Grit. Remember the beloved actor in stitches with this classic portrait, or give to a friend who loves old Hollywood movies! John Wayne Reader’s pick! Requested by CAROL PEPLOW 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 to: Celeb stitch, Cross Stitch Crazy, 2nd Floor, Tower House, Fairfax…

STAR GAZER This gorgeous washi tape is out of this world! Use Cosmic Galaxy Washi Tape, created by Japanese brand Masté, to make up all your favourite space-themed projects and help them shine. To buy, visit www.thefoxandstar.co.uk SHOW IT OFF For serious washi tape fans, this Washi Tape and Display Box includes a set of five washi tapes inside a dispenser. If you buy several, you can stack them! To buy, visit www.notonthehighstreet.com or call 0203 318 5115 POOL PARTY If you love to spend your holidays by the pool, this Palm Springs Washi Tape is just for you! Featuring trendy cacti, flamingos, palm trees, pool chairs and even a starry-eyed green dinosaur, this washi tape is covered in fun illustrations by artist Jacqueline Colley and will put you in…

Splashed with colour and gleaming in the summer sun, these jolly rows of buildings are sure to bring a smile to a loved one’s face! Whether you choose to stitch the bold facades of Burano in Venice or a quintessentially British seaside scene, you’ll have a pretty new home card ready in no time when you stitch these to life in just whole stitches and a bit of backstitch. Or, frame and hang the whole collection to brighten up your own abode! Need to know Stitch Time 6-7 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 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or…

Embark on a mindful journey of meditation with this beautiful yin and yang symbol! This atmospheric piece is made of two scenes that complement each other perfectly – a warm mountain range in the day and a cool seascape at night. This substantial design is worked in whole stitches only, making it ideal for those looking for their first bigger project. Stitch it as a reminder to always take the dark with the light! Need to know Stitch Time 65 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 28-count white evenweave measuring 40x40cm (15¾x15¾in). To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - 10in wooden embroidery hoop (EH10). To buy,…

HAPPY COUPLE We love this wacky take on tying the knot! Cut Thru’ Wedding kit from Bothy Threads is £32.99 at www.bothythreads.com or when you call 01900 828 844. WORDS OF WISDOM It’s a wedding gift with heart! The All You Need is Love kit is £25 at www.historicalsamplercompany.co.uk or when you call 01268 711 918 to enquire. WEDDED BLISS Say ‘I do’ to this pretty sampler! Little Dove Designs’ Pink Hearts chart is £7 from Sew and So when you visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150.…

Support your friends as they take on new challenges with these happy maneki-neko cards! Based on the popular Japanese good luck charms, these cards depict the classic beckoning cat that brings good fortune to its owners. Stitch one for a teen who’s heading into their exams, or create your favourite for a friend with a new job. Add a gift and a message that will give your loved one confidence, and you’ll be sure to instantly lift their spirits. After all, these cheerful cats look purr-fectly adorable! Need to know Stitch Time 4-10 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton and metallic thread as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in)…

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…

Stacey Black Art Editor This month… “Margaret Sherry’s dogs on page 10 have inspired me to get gardening!” Alison Maney Production Editor This month… “I’ve been stitching the Assisi-style abc on page 55 for summer birthdays” Leela Roy Deputy Art Editor This month… “The kids transport charts on page 64 are such a fun idea for the holidays” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “I love the fresh colour scheme in the coastal gift ideas on page 20” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “I’ve found the perfect card for a friend of mine with the lucky cats on page 74!” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “Lucie Heaton’s cute baby orangutan on page 28 is definitely my favourite” Contact crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com 0117 300 8786 Cross Stitch Crazy…

We’re eager for a day out just looking at these summery stitches! Give your home a seaside makeover with these elegant designs, brimming with soft blues, fresh turquoises and warm peach shades. Featuring all manner of ships, shells, seahorses and starfish, these quick and easy motifs are perfect for creating coastal-themed cards, gift tags and more. Get stitching today and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the seaside in your own home! Need to know Stitch Time 1-8 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, 2in white aida band cut to desired length and 14-count…

This cheeky orangutan loves playing hide and seek in the lush rainforests of Indonesia – but he’ll come down and visit if you promise to be his friend! Those who fancy a walk on the wild side will find this sweetie a delight to create in just whole stitches and backstitch. He’ll look right at home in a child’s nursery, but will look just as cute in any room. Keep an eye out for quick colour changes in his realistic fur and on the vibrant leaves of his treetop home. But have fun – we think you two will love monkeying around! Need to know Stitch Time 70 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch ShoppingList… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24…

Space stitch! Thought you might be interested in this image created by my wife, Jane, as it’s rather unique. This unusual image was hand-stitched by Jane starting in June 2017 and is based on a photograph of the Orion Nebula, captured by me! The original photograph has a resolution of 3032x2016 pixels and a 16-bit colour palette. I then produced a set of 12 A4-sized cross stitch charts for Jane to work from. The hand-stitched version has a resolution of just 216x216 stitches (18 stitches to the inch, as it’s stitched on 18-count fabric) and a colour palette of 82 colours. The whole circular image includes 36,644 individual cross stitches! Steve Richards, via email Rachel says: Wow, Steve – Jane did an amazing job stitching your photograph! It really looks…

OVER £1,012 IN PRIZES TO BE WON! Lucie Heaton chart! 71 PRIZES worth £248 Bobbing merrily in the evening breeze, this string of lanterns by Lucie Heaton would make for a wonderful summer project. As we’re big fans of Lucie’s designs here at Crazy, we’re thrilled to be giving away her Chinese Lanterns chart to 71 winners! Check out www.lucieheaton.com for more delightful designs. To enter for your chance to win, text CSC244LUCIE, your name, postal address and email address to 87474 (texts will be charged at 50p plus your standard network rate) or label your postcard ‘Lucie Heaton 244 giveaway’. Creative Craft Show tickets! 13 PRIZES worth £260 Head to the Westpoint Centre in Exeter for the Creative Craft Show on 27-30th September! You’ll be able to soak up…

Stitching for male birthdays can often be a challenge, but we’re here to help with a timeless alphabet and number set that you’re sure to use time and again! Each motif features a colourful background of stylish stripes and vibrant starburst patterns worked in whole stitches, while the letters themselves are left unstitched. This is known as Assisi embroidery, and it’s an easy technique for all abilities, with guaranteed fantastic results! Fiona has used a retro colour scheme for her designs, combining masculine greens and blues with pops of brilliant orange. These cool colours are bound to brighten up someone’s birthday – simply patch your stitching onto a colourful tag to accompany a special gift. We think they’d look great as a nameplate, too – perfect for a teenager’s bedroom…

They’re not yet old enough to be driving real vehicles, but – oh boy – children will love these pretend ones! Cars, trains, planes, buses, lorries, boats, they love them all, and the more colourful the better! These cheery patterns work up quickly and easily in whole stitches only, so they’re perfect projects to get your little ones stitching. Once done, attach them to brightly painted blocks, or turn them into fridge magnets so that the kids can have some fun with them! Need to know Stitch Time 3-5 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, available from Sew and So.…

This month: New baby Ocean dream £11, Desert Island Birth Announcement by Climbing Goat Designs www.climbinggoatdesigns.etsy.com Celebrate summer babies with this personalised tropical island sampler – it’ll feel like you’re on holiday as you stitch! Plus, it’s a fun and original take on a birth sampler. One and only £4.39, You Are My Sunshine by Natali Needlework www.natalineedlework.etsy.com Provide a baby’s name and date of birth and you’ll receive a customised digital chart to help you stitch this design! If you stitch it on 14-count aida you’ll end up with a 29x24cm (11½x9½in) finish. Do it yourself £7.99, Mermaid Baby Announcement by Cross Stitch Factory www.crossstitchfactory.etsy.com This is a new baby project that you can personalise yourself. Buy the instant download of five alphabet sets and five number sets, then…

Q is for quilted jacket 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 The centre of our cross stitch charts is marked out using small arrows on the edge of each side of the 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…

Penni Hollins Malvern Which designer would be your dream dinner party guest? Margaret Sherry without a doubt! I would talk to her about how she finds the inspiration for her amazing designs. Which project are you most proud of? I have to say the Stitch-a-Photo I did of my dad’s motorbike. It was 128,000 stitches and there were a lot of different shades of the same colour throughout! How cross stitch crazy are you? I’m 150% cross stitch crazy! I have drawers of charts, kits, threads and aida, plus plain cards and patterned paper so I’m prepared for any event! I also stitch whenever I can. Which celeb would you most like to stitch? I love Johnny Depp, but only as Captain Jack Sparrow, so I think I would stitch…

Just cruisin’ You’re in for a wild ride with the latest Cut Thru’ kit from Bothy Threads! There’s so much to see in this detailed design – look closely and you’ll spot a couple dancing, the chef cooking, and even the captain steering the boat! Cut Thru’ Cruise Ship costs £32.99 and comes with all you need to stitch it. To buy, visit www.bothythreads.com or call 01900 828 844 Floral fantasy What an original idea! With some flowers nearly entirely in whole stitches and others in nearly all backstitch, this Modern Floral kit from Design Works is a striking project. Stitch and give this bouquet for £35! To buy, visit www.pastimpressions.co.uk or call 0208 335 3930 Jungle fever Get lost in the lush foliage and brilliant flowers of a tropical…

Previously you’ve been Crazy for… Back issues! Crazy hotline 03330 162 133 Reader’s pick! Requested by ISOBEL TRANTER 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…

This summer, spend a few lazy afternoons lying in the grass, listening to your favourite bands and stitching pretty feathers to decorate all your essential festival supplies! Use them to turn a sunglasses case or make-up bag into a stylish statement accessory, or learn how to make your own unique water bottle holder on page 46. You can also pick out your favourite design and stitch it for a friend as a keepsake, or use it to decorate a scrapbook filled with summer memories! Need to know Stitch Time 55 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 23x23cm (9x9in) for the bottle bag,…