Cross Stitch Blog, page 25

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...

Teatime special

14th Feb 2015

Bring out your best china and serve guests in style from this charming traditional tray.

The designs are based on my collection of bits and pieces of china that I have collected over the years from bric a brac stalls and auctions. This pretty design is multi - purpose as it would look great framed for a dining area or kitchen, but stitched on this checked fabric makes it ideal for a cushion cover or, as here, into a very useful and decorative design...

Framed winter swans

7th Feb 2015

I am SO impressed with how Kate Vasilyva has framed her stitched picture of my winter swans. It looks beautiful.

Up to the minute design!

28th Jan 2015

If you are into the latest style of home decor then this contemporary design will make a striking yet simple picture for your home. Find it in The World of Cross Stitching 226 which is out now.

This versatile design can be stitched as one piece, or why not work it as four separate pieces and finished off in matching frames for an alternative, yet stylish display.

It's easy to adapt if you want to use alternative colours and it should be quick...

Clever use of a design!

25th Jan 2015

I just had to show you all how my latest free chart has been made into such a delightful needlework project. This is all thanks to Kate Vasilyeva who has sent me the pictures of her finished pincushion.

I do hope this will also urge Sharyn's granddaughters on to completing their first cross stitch designs, as there will be four little bird pictures in total over the next few months, perhaps they can each choose a different one? This pincushion idea would certainly be a...

Last picture for 2014!

31st Dec 2014

I hope many of you have been able to catch up with family and friends over this festive period. We had a family gathering on Sunday in Northamptonshire, which was enjoyed by all as it doesn't happen too often. Of course Gareth (6) and Leah (4), had great fun playing whilst baby Rosie (16 weeks) looked on.

My year has been wonderful, especially as it has been the start of a new cycle in my life with David who I married in February. I'll look...

Mystical maiden

23rd Dec 2014

This mystical maiden is stitched in peacock feather colours of rich greens, blues and violets, and highlighted with golden threads and beads. The main body of the design is not too difficult to stitch but more care is required in order to get the facial details correct...........take time when working on this area. The rest of the backstitching is fairly simple with a combination of the traditional and a looser style all included. I really enjoyed the design process and I hope many of you...

Seasonal cottage design for springtime

19th Dec 2014

If you can think ahead past Chrismas, then this spring picture of a Suffolk cottage with mauve clematis and foxgloves might help during these colder months. I have taken inspiration for this series from the landscape in the county of Suffolk where I live. In all of the pictures, your eye is drawn through vibrant blooms that lead you into lush grasses in the mid ground  and on to a charming cottage in the background.

Although the palette contains 40 colours, the design itself is fairly...

Query from a stitcher!

18th Dec 2014

 The attached picture of a design I did some years ago of an African woman and child was requested earlier today, unfortunately the email address given hasn't been recognised. If "Robin" would like to get in touch with different contact details to confirm that this is the design that is wanted, I'll be happy to add it to my SHOP page.

"To make you smile"

16th Dec 2014

I popped this image onto my Facebook page earlier, but it has so made me smile throughout the day I thought I would share.............an early Christmas present from someone who knew how much I loved the John Lewis advert!

It's "wings" move up and down.