Table of contents for October 2018 in Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the October issue of Crazy! We have an amazing 127 charts for you to discover this month, including a few projects inspired by mystery and magic! Step into the enchanting world of Margaret Tarrant with our exclusive fairy design on page 10, or celebrate Halloween with our fantastic Mexican-style Day of the Dead hoops over on page 28. If you’re looking for a quick and pretty gift for a friend, try our mini zodiac necklaces on page 52 – or turn to page 20 for a charming collection of British bird motifs by Susan Bates. Plus, enjoy the beauty of nature on page 42 with Emma Congdon’s ethereal Northern Lights scene, and again in a set of vibrant autumn tree cards on page 74. Then flip to page…

As many stitchers know, it can be helpful to make an early start on your many holiday cards – that’s why we’re introducing you to this adorable ice-skating penguin by Helz Cuppleditch. All ready for winter with his multi-patterned scarf and classic ice skates, he’s about to get up to all sorts of tricks as he slides around on the ice. It’s just the card to send to a fun-loving friend once the holidays roll around! Though he’s only little, this penguin will require a range of stitchy skills, from whole stitches to intricate backstitch, fractionals and French knots. What a great way to practise new stitching techniques! So save this card for Christmas – or give it away for a friend or relative’s winter birthday – and let this…

Best known for his role as Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, David Jason is a true legend of British comedy and drama. His varied career has seen him star in the much-loved BBC sitcom Open All Hours, as the voice of cartoon character Danger Mouse and even, in later years, as the eponymous detective in A Touch of Frost. Stitch this cheeky portrait, worked in whole stitches only, for any fan of classic British TV. Lovely jubbly! David Jason Stitch count 100 (h) x 68 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 18x12.5cm (7x5in) Reader’s pick! Requested by SAMMY HAYNES 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…

There’s something so rewarding about making a handmade project, whether it’s a design stitched on aida or a soft toy created with a sewing machine. There are so many exciting crafts out there to try, and sewing is one of our favourites – after all, it’s a useful skill to have when making up our stitchy projects! If you feel the same, stitch a word or phrase using this pretty sewing-themed alphabet. You’ll use whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch to create dress forms, sewing machines, buttons, scissors and loads of thread! Make a personalised sign for your craft corner, or stitch a creative friend’s initial on a card for their birthday. Or, pick out your favourite motifs and turn them into a stylish sewing sampler to encourage a young stitcher.…

Making a big start! I’ve been reading and enjoying your magazine since 2014 and finally gave in to my brother-in-law’s attempts to persuade me to have a go at stitching in 2016. Not wanting to make things too easy for myself, I found a website that converted photos into cross stitch charts, found this picture on my computer and made a start. The design measures 51x38cm (20x15in). It took 57,408 stitches and one and a half years to complete it! The picture shows the Pamir rounding Cape Horn, heading back to her home port in Germany in 1945. Tragically, four years later, on the same trip, her cargo shifted and she capsized and sank. I’m a 76-year-old disabled pensioner who is blind in one eye, so on occasion it can…

Take a peek into the secret lives of veggies! From the tips of their green leaves down to the bottom of their roots, you can see what each plant looks like both above and below the ground with these lifelike stitches. Use your finishes to teach a child about harvest time, or let their imaginations run wild as they play with them on a felt board. Or, let an older child try stitching these fun foods in whole stitches and backstitch – they’re sure to develop a healthy appetite for stitching! Harvest vegetables Max stitch count 99 (h) x 68 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 18x12.5cm (7x5in) Stitched by Lisa Shaw Need to know Stitch Time 30 hours for the set (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping…

When the leaves begin to change, all your favourite outdoor places suddenly seem even more beautiful! Ablaze with shades of fiery red and gold, these autumn trees are a joy to create in whole stitches and backstitch only. Celebrate the season with a few of these pretty stitches – you can easily make one in a day! Turn them into charming greetings cards for all occasions when paired with patterned papers, like we did, or you could frame them as miniature scenes to decorate your home. Autumn trees Max stitch count 54 (h) x 55 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 10x10cm (3¾x4in) Stitched by Stephanie D’este Need to know Stitch Time 2-7 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed…

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… “I’m getting ahead for Christmas with the cute penguin on page 8!” Alison Maney Production Editor This month… “I really can’t wait to stitch the Day of the Dead hoops from page 28” Leela Roy Deputy Art Editor This month… “I love Margaret Tarrant’s illustrations, so it’s the fairies on page 10 for me” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “The sweet and simple Halloween characters on page 47 are so cute!” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “I adore the sewing-themed alphabet and number set by Lucie Heaton on page 37” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “I quite fancy the zodiac necklaces on page 52 – perfect little gifts” Contact crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com ☎ 0117 300 8786 Cross Stitch Crazy Immediate…

They delight you with their sweet songs every morning and charm you as they flit among the trees, so celebrate the birds in your own back garden with these pretty gift ideas! Decorate your cards, hangings and tags with these feathered friends, then give them to anyone who loves nature. Or, if you happen to know a keen ‘twitcher’, create a gift they can use while birdwatching such as a personalised thermos flask or binocular strap. They’re sure to get a kick out of seeing their favourite creatures in stitches! British birds Max stitch count 39 (h) x 64 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 7x11.5cm (2¾x4½in) Stitched by Judy Davies Need to know Stitch Time 1-8 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Shopping…

During Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, legend has it that those who have passed away return to earth once again… and spend a few days celebrating with the people they love most! Sounds like a great reason to throw a party. Inspired by the brightly coloured sugar skulls that are used as decorations for the holiday, called calaveras, as well as Mexico’s vibrant folk art, these fun and modern designs will brighten up your home with their jolly colours and fresh yet mysterious style! Day of the Dead Max stitch count 78 (h) x 80 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 14x14.5cm (5½x5¾in) Stitched by Karen Purnell Need to know Stitch Time 50 hours for the set (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List……

Travel to the far north, stand among the conifer trees and gaze up at the swirling lights dancing in the sky above – this spectacular landscape is sure to inspire you! Capture the magic of this natural phenomenon, also known as aurora borealis, in just whole stitches and a little backstitch for the stars. You’ll need to change thread colours quite often to produce the subtle gradients in the design, but with such pretty shades we think you’ll enjoy every stitch! Northern Lights Stitch count 117 (h) x 150 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 21x27cm (8¼x10¾in) Extra skeins 2x DMC 158 Stitched by Niki Byrne Need to know Stitch Time 55 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the…

Shine bright like the star you are with one of these fab zodiac necklaces! You can create all 12 horoscope signs in miniature – they’re an ideal size for creating stitchy pendants, or tiny motifs for birthday cards. Though these designs are simple and small, they each require not only whole stitches but also backstitch and seed beads. The backstitch uses glow-in-the-dark threads, so your stylish stars can continue to sparkle long into the night! Zodiac constellations Max stitch count 21 (h) x 21 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 4x4cm (1½x1½in) Stitched by Annette Baker Need to know Stitch Time 1-2 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, beads Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton and metallic threads as listed in the key Needle - Size 24…

CREATURE FEATURES Get into a little one’s good books! Vervaco’s Zoo Animals Bookmark kit costs £9.27 from www.mariescrossstitch.co.uk or when you call ☎ 01376 777 017. DOUBLE TROUBLE Your tiny terrors will love these Little Monsters Bookmarks. Buy the kit to make both for £11.86 from www.sewandso.co.uk or call ☎ 0800 013 0150. BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Ensure the sun shines for the kids with DMC’s Beautiful Day bookmark kit, £9 from www.hobbycraft.co.uk or when you call ☎ 0330 026 1400.…

If you enjoy the colourful leaves and crisp afternoons of autumn, you’ll love these charming charts that celebrate the season! Mighty oak £3.60, Autumn Leaves by DeLorai Patterns www.deloraipatterns.etsy.com The fancy leaves and acorns of the great oak tree have been beautifully translated into stitches here. You’ll love stitching them in nine seasonal shades on 14-count aida. The finished design measures 17.5x17.5cm (7x7in). Shaping up £6, Geometric Squirrel by Ritacuna www.ritacuna.etsy.com Stitched in 24 glorious shades of autumn, this contemporary design is a joy to work in whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch. Check out the squirrel’s other geometric pals, too, including Deer Stag and Bird. Seasons go round £4.59, Autumn Wreath by Gentle Feather www.gentlefeather.etsy.com Enjoy the sights of autumn, all stitched together in this sweet design! This wreath’s a…

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…

Carmel Breffit Sheffield Which project are you most proud of? It’s hard to pick one favourite! I love stitching a wide range of projects. I like kits and charts from places like Gecko Rouge and fab hand-dyed fabrics and threads. Who do you most like to stitch for? I love to make gifts from my stitching, mainly. I like to see my pieces being appreciated by others. Which occasion gets your needle twitching? For me, I love stitching for birthdays. When I’m not stitching, you’ll find me… Crafting, especially papercutting. Or, I’m crazily running around being a mum! Who taught you to stitch? I taught myself with cross stitch kits! I’ve been stitching a good few years now. Kirie-lea Cussen Tamworth How would you describe your stitching style? I would…

CRAZY LOVES! Hey there baby Welcome a little one into the world with all the bright colours and fun baby toys you can find! Karen Carter’s bold and brilliant New Baby kit from Heritage Crafts is just the trick – newborns won’t be able to keep their eyes off it! The finished kit, costing £26.25, measures 37.5x10cm (14¾x4in) on 14-count aida and comes with all you need to stitch it. To buy, visit www.hcrafts.com or call ☎ 01889 575 256 Witch stitch Bit by bit, Creative Poppy Patterns and Barbara Ana Designs have been releasing parts of this Black Cat Hollow sampler – and now, starting on 1st August, the whole chart will be available for purchase! This witchy sampler, stitched on 12-count Zweigart linen in Granite, will instantly give…

Opera Stitch count 40 (h) x 39 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 7.5x7cm (2¾x2¾in) Previously you’ve been Crazy for… Back issues! Crazy hotline ☎ 03330 162 133 Reader’s pick! Requested by ALI MANIFOLD 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…

Wanda the witch Stitch count 35 (h) x 26 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6.5x4.5cm (2½x1¾in) Bertie the bat Stitch count 33 (h) x 33 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6x6cm (2¼x2¼in) Vikram the vampire Stitch count 34 (h) x 19 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6x3.5cm (2½x1¼in) Misha the monster Stitch count 35 (h) x 21 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6.5x4cm (2½x1½in) Percy the pumpkin Stitch count 34 (h) x 29 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6x5.5cm (2½x2in) Clarissa the cat Stitch count 32 (h) x 28 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6x5cm (2¼x2in) Zach the zombie Stitch count 35 (h) x 25 (w) Design area 14-count fabric 6.5x4.5cm (2½x1¾in) Need to know Stitch Time 3-5 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch Shopping List… Threads…