Cross Stitch Blog, page 23

Pick of the month

25th May 2015

World of CrossStitching out now, issue 30, has chosen my pink roses to be their pick of the month and also pride of place on the front cover, which is lovely. It is a  timely choice for gardeners with thoughts on the Chelsea flower show and these roses are a reminder that these blooms are now ready for their annual summer display.

You can achieve this design with its lifelike shading and detail with purely whole cross stitches and backstitch............no fiddly fractionals in sight!

I love the way...

Designs for CARDS now added to my SHOP!

19th May 2015

I'm delighted to say that I have added a new category to my SHOP site just for CARD designs. At present just four but this section will be added to on a frequent basis. At only £3.00 for sets of designs I hope you will feel it is good value. Cards that we stitch are so special and very appreciated by recipients. Take a peep at the first few.

Bird talk!

6th May 2015

This pair belong together! This folksy feathered friends will make the cutest couple to keep your sofa snug.

This bright and simple design can be found in the latest issue of Cross Stitcher magazine, 292. It has been worked using 4 strands of the stranded cotton which gives big, chunky stitches so you'll see the design grow really quickly. No fractionals and simple backstitch it's a sure winner.

Summer cottage

6th May 2015

Rest and relax as you stitch the third one of my 4 - part country cottage series which can also be found in the latest edition of GOLD magazine 120. As with the other designs in this series, your eye is led into this scene by the flowers in the foreground. The wild mallow has French knots to their centres which makes them stand out and add texture to the picture, while the field poppies are vibrant against the bright green...

Simply chic

6th May 2015

Just catching up with everything after a restful week's holiday in East Sussex. We stayed at this cottage two years ago with both dogs and it is still a favourite spot for us all.

In the latest GOLD magazine, issue 120, I have two designs; this one of an elegant female which has been inspired by the iconic actress, fashion model and humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn. Hopefully this model is every bit as stylish with her flowing summer dress, long black silk gloves...

Creative Poppy

7th Apr 2015

I'm pleased to announce that you will now be able to puchase 16 of my designs from the French company: Creative Poppy. The charts are available as downloadable pdf files although they also offer a printing service which I know will be of interest to many of you. More designs will be published throughout the year and soon you will be able to purchase kits for many of them.

I hope you will take a look at Creative Poppy: www.creativepoppy.com

Patchwork Tortoise

30th Mar 2015

This design is also in the latest edition of GOLD Cross Stitch Magazine although I'm  not quite sure if this is a tortoise or turtle! But I don't mind as this was such a fun design to wok on and my grandchildren love the cushion it has now become.

The shell is worked as hexagon shapes which make up the patchwork design of zigzags and squiggles. Although this is a large design you can concentrate on just one hexagon at a time,...

Oriental fan

30th Mar 2015

I've long been fascinated by the art, textiles and traditions of the Orient. I wrote a book called Oriental Cross Stitch in 2007 which has over 30 exquisite designs on this subject and I always find creating this style of design a very special process. This lovely design can be found in the latest issue of Gold Cross Stitch magazine, 119.

Stitchers with a keen eye for luxury and detail will enjoy working this Oriental - style fan. The design is worked in rich...

Floral clock

27th Mar 2015

Just think - next time you're rushing around and look up to check the time, you'll be greeted by a selection of gorgeous flowers and a poetic prompt to appreciate all those liitle things we take for granted. This floral time piece is to be found in the latest edition of World of Cross Stitching, issue 228.

With its soft muted colour palette worked in simple whole cross stitches and backstitch, you can relax and unwind as you bring each pretty...

Start stitching blackwork!

23rd Mar 2015

These cards, four in all, are a great way to try out blackwork and enjoy a burst of colour, too.

Blackwork is a popular stitching technique that uses black thread and often depicts flowers and geometric shapes. I used one strand of thread for the blackwork on these cards and added coloured cross stitches for extra interest.

If you haven't tried this technique before then can I suggest that these designs would be ideal for you to have a go! Let me know...

Sweet teddy

22nd Mar 2015

Stitch this lovable bear for any occasion, be it a birthday, anniversary or simple to say thank you.

Find her in the latest World of Cross stitching, issue 227. In her pretty pink dress and darling bow, this fluffy little ted comes with a special tub of lilacs, chosen with love to show how much she cares.

Worked mainly in whole cross stitches and backstitch, the only part you might need to take your time over is the French knots on the flowers.

Cross Stitch Crazy magazine

18th Mar 2015

Here is my birth sampler that will be for my latest grand daughter. I'll have to alter the birth date as she was born last August but as you know as a designer we work quite a few months ahead of the publication.

Rosie is now 6 months old and you can see pictures of her on my Face book pages, along with her big sister.

This birth sampler, I hope, will become a cherished gift for all the gorgeous new babies.

Spring is here!

10th Mar 2015

Welcome in Spring with this picture that will surely make you smile. Although there are quite a lot of different bright colours this design is simple to stitch. Tulips, daffodils, narcissi, primroses and many more flowers will delight you whilst you stitch and keep a smile on your face throughout even the rainiest days of spring.

Find this delightful picture in the latest Cross Stitch Collection magazine, issue 247, out now!

New designs

4th Mar 2015

Just take a peep at my latest designs from DMC. I am very pleased to say that all these kits will be on sale in May. For a clearer view of them please check out page 53 of their catalogue:

http://edp.dmc.fr/catalogue/uk2015/

Spring fairy

3rd Mar 2015

Surrounded by fragrant narcissus and shy wood anemones this butterfly - winged fairy is just paused to enjoy the early Spring sunshine. Strands of DMC Light Effects and a scattering of pearly seed beads add a gorgeous glimmer to this design.

Find her in issue 246 of Cross Stitch Collection.

This month you will be able to find the second fairy in the series; this one is for Summer and I'll let you have a peep at her later this week. She is just as pretty...

Pretty romantic heart

3rd Mar 2015

My pretty heart is designed with romance, tender thoughts, friendship and care for friends and family in mind, so it is perfect for stitching as a gift. Many of the motifs will be ideal to stitch on their own for cards especially if you add some of the words as well. Either made into a cushion or framed I'm sure the recipient will be delighted.

I'm a little late in letting you see this but you can still find this design...

Happy Chinese New Year

19th Feb 2015

From the Year of the Horse to the Year of the Goat or Sheep, a very happy Chinese New Year.

Those born this year should have the characteristics of being kind and peaceable, while their best months are supposedly August and November. Lucky flowers; primrose and carnation.

Catching up!

17th Feb 2015

I have just been to the Craft and Stitching show at the NEC in Birmingham where it was great to catch up with designers and friends from the trade that I haven't seen for a while. It is a great show and it was wonderful to be able to see what will be reaching the shops for you all in the next few months.

One friend I caught up with was Kate Hoyle and her husband, John, at their Bothy Threads stand. They used...