Cross Stitch Crazy - UK (2020-01)

66 http://www.cross-stitching.com

MeetTheDesigner

Join us as we talk to long-time

Crazy designer Maria Diaz

about her stitchy inspiration,

upcoming projects and more

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Maria Diaz

When did you first get into

cross stitch designing?

When I was studying for my art degree,

I was offered a holiday job working for

DMC. Cross stitch designing sort of

evolved out of that role! I started silk

screen printing embroidery patterns

onto fabric in the factory and then

they needed someone to draw out

the patterns by hand. After that, they

needed someone to chart the patterns

using the new computer system as

well. I just happened to be in the right

place at the right time and had a natural

knack, I guess! And, fortunately for me,

I absolutely loved it.

Where do you find the inspiration

for your designs?

Everywhere! Years ago, I used to collect

cards, postcards and snippets cut from

magazines. Now, I simply take pictures

on my phone of anything that sparks

an idea. Also, the internet is fantastic

for research – although I do sometimes

miss the hours I’d spend in the library.

What is your favourite thing

about cross stitch?

The fact that it’s so simple! Anyone can

learn to do it but the overall effect can

look so sophisticated.

How has your style changed

since you first started designing

for Crazy back in issue six?

My style changes with every new

idea I have – I’m like a magpie! I love

to try different styles of design, with

backstitch or without, in lots of shades.

Do you have a favourite project

that you’ve designed for Crazy

over the years?

I loved the bathing belle postcards that

I did many years ago for issue 10 – they

M

eet Crazy designer Maria Diaz

• celebrating over 30 years of
  designing! Maria started her
  cross stitch journey in 1989 and
  first appeared in Crazy back in issue six. Find
  out how it all started and what’s on the horizon
  for Maria in this behind-the-scenes feature.

T When designing animals,

Maria studies images of them

to get their poses just right

SMaria has published 13

cross stitch books to date!