Table of contents for September 2018 in Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the September issue of Crazy! I’ve always loved this time of year as it brings back happy memories of shopping for new stationery and shiny shoes, ready for the start of term. If you’ve got kids heading back to school this month, check out the cool gift ideas on page 20, as they’re sure to appreciate a little treat to mark the occasion! For those of you who love autumn’s beautiful colours and motifs, the adorable woodland fox project on page 10 and rustic-style alphabet and number set on page 49 will definitely get your needle twitching! If you want to keep the feel of summer for just a bit longer, though, check out the amazing windmill and sunflowers scene by Lesley Teare on page 28. Plus, your…

Postcards are a lovely way to remind yourself of the fun you had on holiday, so go one better this year and stitch your own! Designed in Emma Congdon’s signature typographical style, this kit has a wonderful retro feel and comes with all the items you need to get stitching, including threads, aida, a needle and a postcard. If you’re heading off on holiday, it’s a perfectly-sized project to pop into your hand luggage for stitching on the plane, or to while away the time on a long car journey. And those taking a ‘staycation’ can work the vibrant shades while relaxing on a sun lounger in the garden! Once you’ve finished stitching, simply fray the edges of the aida and attach to the postcard using double-sided tape. Write a…

Known for her big hair and even bigger voice, Amy Winehouse was truly one of music’s all-time greats. Songs such as Rehab, Back to Black and Valerie became instant classics, earning her fans worldwide and making her the first British woman to win five Grammy awards. Here, Amy is all done up in her signature beehive and flicked eyeliner. Put on one of her albums and revisit her velvety contralto voice while you commemorate her life in stitches. Reader’s pick! Requested by NICOLA ANDERSON 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 Street, Bristol…

“A band of lavender flowers. My friend has just redone her bathroom and was considering buying some lovely patterned toilet rolls (just for show), but the price put her off. A band around a plain toilet roll would be a good alternative!” Jeanne Cockwell, Dorset “Greedy, I know, but I have two charts I would ask for. The first would be the 12 main Greek gods of Olympus together, and the second would be of the Great A’tuin from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld fantasy books.” Natalie Trenner, Essex “I would love Lesley Teare to design me a chart with primroses and violets, as they’re my favourite flowers. And I’d love for Maria Diaz to design one of the Bay of Naples!” Debbie Sewter, Devon Coming up: Would you rather add seed…

Dainty and feminine, these designs look impressively intricate but are quickly and easily made using just whole stitches and backstitch. Dusty pink aida beautifully highlights the delicate white portraits and curling border patterns, and suggests the pastel colours often used for cameo brooches in the past. We especially love the delicate contrast of the deeper pink and green florals, while gold seed beads provide an opulent finishing touch! Need to know Stitch Time 2-4 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, beads Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle; beading needle Beads - Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key Fabric - Zweigart 14-count pink (4042) aida measuring 18x12cm (7x4¾in) for each card and 10x10cm (4x4in)…

All smiles £2.33, Funny Sun Smiling by Domcraft www.domcraft.etsy.com We challenge you to look at this sun without smiling – we couldn’t manage it! Stitched in whole stitches in only four shades, it looks great against the Misty Blue aida ‘sky’. The finished design measures 10x10.5cm (4x4in). Summer nights £2.80, Sunset by Ringcat www.ringcat.etsy.com There’s nothing quite like the calm of a summer evening as the sun sets below the horizon. This peaceful seaside scene is beautiful in its simplicity. It’s worked in seven thread shades for a design size of 5.5x5cm (2¼x2in) on 14-count aida. Bye bye clouds £4.66, Here Comes the Sun by Sewingseed www.sewingseed.etsy.com Hum away to yourself as you stitch this uplifting project, which you could complete in a day – it’s whole stitches all the…

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 fabric, fold it in half…

Stacey BlackArt Editor This month… “The quotes on the coffee cup sleeves on page 56 really make me smile!” Alison ManeyProduction Editor This month… “I love the portrait of Amy Winehouse on page 19 – I’m a big fan of her music” Leela RoyDeputy Art Editor This month… “I can’t wait to start Lucie’s new fairytale design on page 42” Fiona BakerTechnical Editor This month… “I adore the intricate detailing in the pretty cameo cards on page 64” Heather NugentCharting Editor This month… “The ombré effect of the Celtic knot cards on page 37 is simply stunning” Hannah ErskineCharting Assistant This month… “I’ll be stitching a back to school gift or two from page 20 for my friend’s little girl” Contact crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com ☎ 0117 300 8786 Cross…

Kids love getting fresh supplies for the school year, and you can make these even more special by personalising them with Cheryl’s funky doodle-inspired charts. From a motivational message on the front of their notebook to a unique badge for their rucksack, you’ll find plenty of ideas that both girls and boys will love. In fact, we think any gift made from one of these fun charts is sure to get top marks! Need to know Stitch Time 1-7 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, French knots Shopping List… 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. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800…

Travel to the countryside without leaving your chair when you stitch this charming scene! Featuring a host of cheerful sunflowers framing a picture-perfect windmill, the wonderfully warm colour palette will make you feel as if you’re taking a stroll on a mellow afternoon. It’s created in whole stitches with a tiny smattering of backstitch for detail, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced stitchers alike. Finished as a cushion with classic yellow gingham to complement its rustic style, this pretty stitch will continue to bring you sunshine long after the summer is over. Need to know Stitch Time 60 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count…

Spotty style Store your stitchy WIP in this sturdy Denim Spot Craft Bag. It’s got loads of pockets and the fabric is splash – and ice cream – proof! £21 from www.hobbycraft.co.uk or call ☎ 0330 026 1400 Helping hands We love this polka dot crab needle minder – essential if you don’t want to lose your needle while taking your WIP on your travels! £2.97 from www.plan2stitch.etsy.com Undersea treasures Adorned with sea opals, this pretty fob helps you keep your scissors close at hand, while the rubber tip makes them safe to take with you when out and about. £12.22 from www.jillshandmadestuff.etsy.com…

Walking in the woods and shuffling through the fallen leaves, snuggling up in knitted scarves and hats, making delicious crumbles and soups… There are lots of lovely things to look forward to when autumn rolls around, so celebrate its arrival with these fab designs! The letters and numbers are cleverly embedded in seasonal motifs, from crisp apples, bronzed leaves and plump pumpkins to roll-neck jumpers, cosy mittens and thick socks. We’ve stitched ours on beige aida, which gives it a lovely homespun feel while picking up the warm hues of the designs. Whether you use them to stitch gifts for September, October and November birthdays, or to make a banner that proclaims your love for all things autumnal, you’re sure to fall for these charming charts! Need to know Stitch…

You’ll never burn your fingers on a hot beverage again when you stitch one of these clever cup sleeves! Not only will the fun phrases make you smile while you sip your drink, but they can also be used time and again with your favourite reusable cup. Turn to page 59 to find step-by-step instructions on how to make up your finished stitch into a felt sleeve, then put the kettle on, fill up your cup and enjoy some on-the-go refreshment. Brew-tiful! Need to know Stitch Time 5-6 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 16-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk…

FLIGHTS OF FANCY We’re all of a flutter over this floral Butterfly Bouquet, priced at £26.49 from Bothy Threads. To buy, visit www.bothythreads.com or call ☎ 01900 828 844. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT Earn your wings by stitching this crimson delight! The Red Butterfly downloadable chart by Axebe on Etsy at www.axebe. etsy.com costs £3.18. FLYING HIGH Take your stitching prowess to new heights with this Butterfly chart by The World in Stitches, available for £2 on Etsy at www.theworldinstitches.etsy.com…

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…

Nicola Staff Isle of Wight Which designer would be your dream dinner party guest? Durene Jones, because I think she would be fun. Her designs are so colourful and jolly that I’m sure her personality is the same. How cross stitch crazy are you? I’m very cross stitch crazy! Cross stitch is what I think about most of the day. My bedroom is full of threads, mags and kits. Who is your favourite character to stitch? I love stitching Lucie Heaton’s Furry Tales characters. They’re so much fun! Who taught you to stitch, and when? I started stitching seven years ago when my eldest child was nearly one year old. My mum has always stitched us some beautiful gifts, so I taught myself to stitch as a surprise and made…

CRAZY LOVES! Wish upon a star Rejoin the Highland Family in their most atmospheric kit yet! These two cuties are spending the evening gazing up at the night sky, making wishes every time they see a shooting star. This sweet scene is stitched on 14-count Starry Night aida from Fabric Flair. To buy, visit www.goldleafneedlework.co.uk or call ☎ 01482 571 120 Bark to basics If you’re a dog lover, you need a sewing box covered in Dachshunds, Dalmations and Jack Russells! A Dog’s Life Sewing Box in medium costs £19.99 and measures 19x26x14.5cm (7½x10¼x5¾in). To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Thread in the clouds We love a useful stitchy accessory that also makes for a great gift! The Cloud Thread Organiser by Rocket and Fox, costing…

You’re sure to bring back happy childhood memories of reading folk stories while you work on this cute scene! Part of Lucie’s popular fairytale series, it shows a smiling Red Riding Hood leaving her cottage with a basket of freshly picked apples. Completed in whole stitches, a good amount of backstitch for the outline and one French knot, this enchanting design will appeal to both the young and young-at-heart. To grandmother’s house we go! Need to know Stitch Time 35 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, French knots Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 28x36cm (11x14¼in). To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150 Extras - Backing fabric,…

Travels with Crazy! We’ve been touring and visited Kathmandu, as you can see from the photos. We also went on a jungle safari where we saw wild boar, crocodiles and rhino in their natural habitat, and then we went on to a mountain village quite high up – and I took my copy of Crazy with me! I always take my stitching along with me, particularly on long flights. I stitch for Love Quilts UK (featured in Crazy issue 226) and fellow passengers or air stewards have often asked about my projects. I’m currently living in Bangkok, where I’m working at an international school. One of the things I do there is help with an after-school cross stitch club, where I train the next generation of stitchers! I’ve donated some…

Removing stains 1 If your needle has left a rust mark in your fabric, cover the stain in salt and then lemon juice. Leave it to soak, then rinse thoroughly before washing your work. 2 Use bicarbonate of soda or talcum powder to remove grease marks. Leave on the stain overnight, then brush off and wash if necessary. 3 Tea and coffee spills need to be treated immediately, or they’ll be more difficult to remove. Apply a product such as Stain Devils as directed, then wash as required. 4 Try rubbing an ink stain with a slice of lemon or cover with a paste made of two parts white wine vinegar to three parts cornflour and leave to dry thoroughly before washing off. 5 Some marks are impossible to remove,…

Ey up, lad! My boyfriend is from Yorkshire and his birthday is coming up. I’d like to stitch something funny for him, but I don’t have a lot of time. Any ideas? Nothing too fussy – he won’t like it! Ann Lister, Ryton-on-Dunsmore It’s always nice to celebrate your heritage in stitches, and I’ve found a great project you can make to honour your boyfriend’s! It’s super simple, so won’t take long at all. Born + Bred In The Dales is a Sew Rutland kit, worked in one shade of thread and whole stitches only. And it couldn’t be any less fussy. The kit is on sale for £7.99 from www.carandkitchen.co.uk, or you can call ☎ 01729 823 638. If you like this project, you might enjoy stitching the other…

Teach a child to save their pennies by creating a personalised money bank! Featuring cheeky dinosaurs or elegant unicorns and rainbows, these designs are sure to appeal to any child with an active imagination. Attach your finished stitch to a cylindrical tin by wrapping it around and fixing it in place with double-sided tape, or let it lie flat on a box-style bank. You could even let the little ones try stitching these charts themselves, as they require only whole stitches and backstitch. Need to know Stitch Time 10-12 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric - Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 19x28cm (7½x11in) for each design. To buy, visit…