Cross Stitch Crazy magazine 195 Nov 2014

Saturday's post brought the latest issue of Cross Stich Crazy magazine.  One of the reasons I continue to subscribe is that I love to see stitchy mail and most issues have something I would like to stitch

The free gifts this month include a Christmas chart booklet by Joan Elliott, a separate chart and an accessory pack with some ribbons and a heart

I like a lot of Joan Elliott's designs and there are some cute charts in here for cards or ornaments. My particular favourites are the word ones.   I like these booklets because they include backing papers which are useful. 

Most of the designs in the magazine either don't appeal or are too similar to others I have with one notable exception.  There is a lovely Christmas design by one my favourite designers, Lizzie Kate.  There is also an interview with the designer 

I like to add to my Christmas stitching every year and this is going on the MUST STITCH pile.   Unlike most LK designs this is only charted for standard DMC, Anchor and Madeira.   I plan to use my stash of hand dyed threads instead and will probably also use some buttons or charms. Love it and my needle is twitching in anticipation already 

Christmas framing collected

LCollected 2 pieces of Christmas stitching from the framers.   I have quite a collection of Christmas stitched pictures, ornaments, cushions and quilts so even at that time of year it is obvious that "a stitcher lives here"

Both of these were completed a while ago.

This one is a design by Passione Ricamo.  It is stitched on rustic aida.  If I was stitching it now I would use Evenweave but it looks ok

The smaller piece was finished on 24 12 12.   The chart which came with the buttons was a gift as part of a stitching exchange from many years ago.   I remember getting the chart and pulling the threads and fabric immediately.   I stitched about 2/3 and then it became a UFO.   Don't know why.  Probably because other projects with deadlines took precedence.  After I joined the Cross Stitch Cafe on Moneysavingexpert I made more of an effort to finish some of my UFOs and this was one of them.

It is stitched on dark teal Belfast linen (32 count) with DMC for everything except the red border and door which is a Needle Necessities variegated cotton plus heart and star buttons and white seed beads for the snow.  I know that  Needle Necessities are now ThreadWorkz but mine is NN so must be quite old.    

I keep being distracted by all the activity at the bird table since I added a suet and fruit tray.  Avian squabbling broke out but I don't think there have been any casualties.