Table of contents for September 2019 in Cross Stitch Crazy

… to the September issue of Crazy! With this mag, I’m fulfilling a few of my own cross stitch fantasies – for instance, I’ve been itching to commission the steampunk-style animals on page 64 since before I became the editor here! I also feel as if my childhood fancies have come to life in the form of the kawaii make-up bag motifs on page 72. As a kid, I often played with pretend lipstick and mascara, so this cute set really takes me back. Of course, we have a few of my teammates’ dream projects in this issue, too. Lou is always excited when we feature cats, so she loves the life announcement cards on page 37. And Katie is absolutely bananas for birds, so I’m sure she’ll end up…

This kit includes a luggage tag and ribbon for making up your stitching! Before you jet off for your next summer adventure or exciting weekend away, make sure you stitch this trendy tag to take with you! Emma’s pretty typography-style design is a quick and easy project, which uses just whole stitches and backstitch. It’s an ideal quick gift, fast finish or first project for a stitching newbie! Plus, this kit is just the right size to pop in your bag and stitch on the go! Pass the time up in the air or down on the roads by immersing yourself in the cheerful oranges and refreshing blues of this fun tag. Or, if you’re spending your holiday at home, treat yourself to a few hours of stitching out in…

Marvel fans will know Scarlett Johansson best from her role as Black Widow in the action-packed Avengers films. But her talents lie in more than just beating up bad guys! Now the highest-paid actress in Hollywood, this star appears in everything from sweet rom-coms to hair-raising horrors and more. Celebrate this accomplished actress as you stitch and display her beautiful portrait! Scarlett Johansson Stitch count 101 (h) x 68 (w) Design area on 14-count fabric 18.5x12.5cm (7¼x4¾in) Reader’s pick! Requested by JO CARTER 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 us at: Celeb stitch, Cross Stitch Crazy, Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1…

“I stitched my mum a panda last year, while I was at home from university. I then had it framed and hid it, before I went back, for her to find on her birthday. ‘Doing uni work’ in my bedroom was a good cover!” Megan Nicholl, Cumbria “I stitched a Christmas card for my mum – it was a festive kitty. I stitched it right in front of her as we often stitch together in the afternoons. She thought I was just stitching one of my cards so didn’t query it!” Susan Gouch, Northumberland “Almost all the stitching I do is for surprise gifts for my loved ones. I always make sure I have two pieces on the go so that if the recipient of one calls round I can…

High up in the trees, snuggled in rooftop nests and swooping through the skies are some of nature’s most splendid creatures! It’s hard to beat the striking sight of a kingfisher’s bold plumage or the delightful sound of a robin’s merry song. Celebrate some of the world’s most beautiful birds with this sweet yet chic alphabet and numbers set. Use the designs to create a surprise card or unique identification chart for a budding birder, or help a little one learn about different types of birds by stitching and framing the entire alphabet. Or, leave off the species’ names to create a sign for a uni student’s flat or a bird-obsessed friend’s room. These charming designs require just whole stitches and backstitch, so they’re great projects for beginners and intermediate…

Katie Kegie Art Editor This month… “I’ll make a nameplate for myself using the bird alphabet on page 49” Lou Smith Production Editor This month… “The steampunk animal hoops on page 64 are absolutely adorable!” Emily Godwin Designer This month… “I plan to try making the double-hoop autumn wreath on page 42” Fiona Baker Technical Editor This month… “My goddaughter will love the mini make-up motifs on page 72” Heather Nugent Charting Editor This month… “Makiko’s cupcake-loving teddy bear on page 10 would look so fab in my kitchen!” Hannah Erskine Charting Assistant This month… “I have a friend who will just love the inspirational lamp cards and tags on page 28” Contact Crazy www.facebook.com/crossstitchcrazy www.twitter.com/crazy_magazine www.cross-stitching.com Editorial team 0117 300 8788 Subscriptions 01604 973 741 Cross Stitch Crazy Immediate…

This cuddly duo love spending their afternoons whipping up tasty treats! Bring their little bakery to life using a fun and challenging mix of whole stitches, fractionals, half stitches, backstitch and French knots. Keep an eye on your backstitch – it’s mostly worked in one strand, to create the soft details of the scene, but uses two strands for the cherry stalk. Once completed, display this special design as a cushion and impress teatime guests with your baking and stitching skills. Or, place these cake-loving pals inside a colourful frame and gift to a sweet-toothed friend! Need to know Stitch Time 36 hours (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, fractionals, half cross stitch, backstitch, French knots Shopping List… Threads - Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle - Size…

From the classroom to the office, we need our trusty pens and pads to get our work done! Celebrate your ever-helpful stationery by turning these fun projects into quirky desk decorations or unique gifts for coworkers and schoolmates. Or, use them to personalise bags and notebooks, brighten reading nooks or send cards to far-flung pen pals. However you use them, these designs will soon be a staple of your gift-giving! Need to know Stitch Time 1-6 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 a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150; 14-count clear plastic canvas.…

Add these radiant lamp charts to your stitching library and you’ll always have a brilliant design at the ready! Turn them into thoughtful thankyou cards, say congratulations with a cheerful hanging or stitch the lot and surprise a special friend with a supportive set of hoops to display in their home. These projects are quick and easy to make, with whole stitches in a palette of warm colours trimmed with backstitch and a few French knots. So, pick your favourite, get stitching and remember – you glow, girl! Need to know Stitch Time 3-5 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 15x15cm…

Need to know Stitch Time 4-5 hours each (approx) Stitch Types Whole cross stitch, backstitch, bells Shopping List… 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 - Bell embellishments, white cards with hand-cut apertures and backing papers of your choice from local stores…

Autumn’s at our doors again, that magical time of year when we watch the leaves turn from luscious greens to rich golds and reds. This unique double-hoop project is inspired by the colours of the harvest season – once made up, it becomes a whimsical wreath of acorns and leaves dancing in the autumn breeze. Watch as your needle does a dance of its own through the whole stitches and backstitch that make up this gorgeous seasonal piece! Need to know Stitch Time 28 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 white aida measuring 30x30cm (11¾x11¾in). To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - 7in…

JUMP FOR JOY The sky’s the limit for this happy unicorn as he spreads smiles and sparkles! Dream Big comes as a kit for £17, or a chart for £9, from The Stitching Shed at www.thestitchingshed.co.uk TWINKLE TOES Surrounded by beautiful star buttons, this candy-coloured cutie has stolen our hearts. Download the chart for Sparkles the Baby Unicorn for £3.43 from www.fuzzyfoxdesigns.etsy.com SPELLBINDING STITCH This enchanting creature is what fairytales are made of – its lush shades are straight out of our fantasies! This pretty Unicorn design can be downloaded for £ 3.88 from www.axebe.esty.com…

Pop the big question to your soon-to-be maid of honour and bridesmaids – in stitches! You’ll make the moment extra-special when you give them finishes created just for them. Turn the three larger designs into cards or canvases for your friends to keep, or, if you’re short on time, quickly stitch them the question mark tag. These projects are a top way to thank your loved ones for their future help – after all, they’re bound to say yes! Need to know Stitch Time 25 hours for set (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 28x32cm (11x12½in) for the canvas, 22x18cm (8½x7in) for the card and…

Join a team of dashing animal friends straight out of a science-fiction story! These creatures are dressed to the nines in the romantic style of steampunk, a genre that imagines a futuristic Victorian-style world where steam-powered inventions take heroes on adventures beneath the sea, into space and everywhere in-between! Celebrate your own intrepid spirit by picking your favourite for a stand-out piece or stitching the entire set for your home. Need to know Stitch Time 14-18 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 23x23cm (9x9in) for each design. To buy, visit www.sewandso.co.uk or call 0800 013 0150 Extras - 6in (EH6) wooden embroidery hoops.…

This much! £4.88, I Love You More Than Ice Cream by Sewingseed www.sewingseed.etsy.com There’s a lot of love in this adorable project! It’s easy to whip up using whole stitches only, in a palette of eight sweet and summery shades. Plus, it fits nicely inside a 7in hoop! Floral fancy £5.82, Floral Ice Cream by Fun Stitch For Joy www.funstitchforjoy.etsy.com Try ordering this tropical treat from an ice cream van! Bursting with vibrant hibiscus flowers, this design makes for a striking piece to display in your home. It’s worked in whole stitches using 26 shades and measures 23x33cm (8x13in). Wild things £4.88, Cartoon Ice Cream by AnitaStitch www.anitastitch.etsy.com These smiley ice creams are so excited to see you! This fun chart measures 13.5x12.5cm (5½x4¾in) on 14-count aida and is worked…

Susan Scott Littleborough Which project are you most proud of? The graduation piece that I stitched for my daughter, Hannah. She’s a massive fan of all things Disney, so I included a quote from Walt Disney. How would you describe your stitching style? Easy and relaxed. I mostly enjoy working with whole stitches and bold colours. Which occasion gets your needle twitching? Christmas, Easter and stitching for family. I start my Easter cards on Christmas day! When I’m not stitching, you’ll find me… Running – I’m training for a half marathon! How long ago did you start stitching? Christmas 1989, to be exact. My husband was on nights so I picked up a new hobby! Georgina Chamberlain Dorset Which cross stitch designer would be your dream dinner party guest? Jess…

You’re a winner! Carol Smith Star letter Inspired by Morocco Here’s my attempt at using Mill Hill’s perforated paper – which is so much fun to use – and a small wooden Triptych kit from www.madhatterscrafts.com! I used threads from my stash and tweaked Emma Congdon’s designs from issue 254 to fit. Carol Smith, Turriff Alison says: Carol, this is brilliant! Such a clever use of the motifs in our Gift ideas section. Thanks for sharing this with us! WIN! Each month, our Star letter winner receives a fantastic prize! This month’s Star letter winner will receive this enchanting Dragon Fae kit by Suzanne Gyseman. The kit includes 16-count printed aida, threads, a needle, sequins, a chart and instructions, and is worth £32.99 from Bothy Threads. For more details and…

Come on in! Make visitors feel instantly at home when you hang up this wonderfully bright sign. New to The Karen Carter Collection from Heritage Crafts, this Home kit is the latest in a series of delightful signs including Love Your Garden, Imagine and Relax. You can pick up the full kit for £19.95, with Zweigart 14-count or 27-count fabric, presorted DMC stranded cottons, a needle, clear instructions and a chart inside. Measuring 24.5x6.5cm (9_x2_in) once finished, this charming design would make a wonderful wall hanging or decorative cushion for your home. To buy, visit www.hcrafts.com or call 01889 575 256 Crazy loves! The rules of stitching This kit perfectly captures how we feel about cross stitch! Eat, Sleep, Stitch, Repeat costs £25 and comes with one-of-akind hand-painted fabric for…

Stitcher of the bride These are the labels that I stitched from Crazy issue 231 for my daughter’s wedding this year. I made seven hangers in total – one for her Maid of Honour, one for me, one for each of her bridesmaids and a special one with beads on for her. The girls all loved them and they were lovely keepsakes for everyone. I started them last year and only stopped to make my Christmas cards. I finished them off over the New Year. I also stitched thank you cards for everyone in the wedding. It was a great day and everything – thankfully! – went to plan. The wedding had a bicycle theme so I stitched the happy couple a bicycle-themed sampler, too. I always make a list…

Keep your place 1 When working a long row of stitches, rather than counting again and again to see if you’ve stitched enough, simply count once and add a small pin to the spot where you need to finish stitching. 2 If stitching a complicated design, grid your aida using washable marker pens or heat-erasable pens – it’ll be much easier to keep your place. 3 Photocopy your chart and use coloured pens or pencils to mark off the portion that you’ve stitched – that way, you can see where you are and how much you have left to do! 4 Use a magnetic board to hold your chart in place. Also, keep tabs on where you are by using the magnets that come with it to mark your chart.…

OVER £1,116 IN PRIZES TO BE WON! Durene Jones chart bundles! Treat the little monsters and fairies in your life to their very own personalised room plaque, courtesy of Crazy favourite Durene Jones. Both design PDFs include cute alphabet charts, so you can add the recipient’s name or a fun message. We’ve got 32 digital bundles of both charts to win! And for more of Durene’s adorable designs, go to www.durenejcrossstitch.etsy.com. For your chance to win, visit www.cross-stitching.com to enter for free, or send a postcard labelled ‘Durene Jones 258 giveaway’ to the address listed below. 32 PRIZES worth £307 Mouseloft kit collections! Here at Crazy, we have a real soft spot for Mouseloft’s cute and cuddly In The Woods range. These cute woodland creatures are easy to stitch and…

Whether they’re dressing up for their first school disco, heading off to prom or just getting ready for school, many young teens love having fun with make-up! Let kids play pretend and let teens celebrate their love of blush, mascara and more with a trendy patch pouch. Each chart, created in Mollie’s signature kawaii style, uses whole stitches with a bit of backstitch – fab for new stitchers! Backed with colourful felt and hook and loop tape, they look great on jackets and school bags, too. Need to know Stitch Time 2-4 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 a maximum of 15x10cm (6x4in)…

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 fun cracked egg opposite, are ideal to try if you’re new to stitching. For more simple designs, try these: ▶ PAGE 8 Stylish luggage tag ▶ PAGE 20 Stationery gift ideas ▶ PAGE 34 Construction vehicles ▶ PAGE 49 Wild birds alphabet ▶ PAGE 61 Back-to-school motifs 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…