Cross Stitch Blog, page 26

An update on the waterlily and dragonfly design

11th Dec 2014

I have just altered the information on this design as some of the details were missing. It now has a number! so there shouldn't be any confusion when ordering. Otherwise the design remains the same.

Patchwork cushion

3rd Dec 2014

Just incase you didn't catch up with this design on my FaceBook page, there is also in this issue of GOLD 116 a pretty patchwork cushion which is so simple to stitch. I have used turquoise with the pinks and reds but I suggest this colour can be changed to another shade which might be more suited to your own colour scheme. If you aren't confident with colours, then try out a small sample of the squares pattern first on a scrap of Aida to...

Cross Stitch GOLD magazine 116

30th Nov 2014

I'm really excited about a brand new cottage series that is starting in this issue of Cross Stitch GOLD magazine 116. The landscapes show lovely country cottages that I find on my walks with my labrador, Webley, around the Suffolk contryside near my home. Webs is 11 now so we go at a slower pace, which is fine, as it gives me chance to sketch and he can have a rest.

The landscapes may be  different in style to those you are used...

Some of the designs from my books

29th Nov 2014

Thank you for the lovely comments about my new books. I'm thrilled with them all and I hope that many of you will get many hours of pleasure stitching them for yourself or friends and family.

Here are a few more pictures from them all................and just one mistake - two images of the cat! Although it is a lovely cat TUVA, the publishers, have assured me that one will be replaced on the second printing!

If you would like to see more images then...

MY latest books are now for sale

27th Nov 2014

I'm pleased to say that my latest books have arrived: Tea Time, "sweet" models to stitch and Cute animals. There are twenty designs to each book and these follow on from the previous Flower models and designs for Cute babies. All of these are on sale on my BOOK page for £5.75 with FREE delivery within mainland UK.

Here is just a small selection from each book.

Floral delight

14th Nov 2014

This floral display is certainly in Christmas reds, but its bright and cheerful colours will be a design that I will love looking at throughout the year. There is a limited amount of backstitch used, so this helps give a more natural look to the picture. Find it in the latest issue of Cross Stitch Collection 243 out today! Also in this issue are the charming small Christmas stockings which are shown as a lovely idea for the Festive table. The design is stitched onto...

More quick and easy Christmas cards

11th Nov 2014

All six of these Christmas bird wreaths will be easy to stitch as there are no fractional stitches or French knots! Each one will make a delightful card to stitch for family and friends. See them on the Animal and Bird section on my Shop page

Christmas cards

10th Nov 2014

No too late to start! I have just added this group of cute, character Christmas cards to my SHOP page under "Seasonal". These fun animals - and snowman - will make  you and the recipient smile. Leave off the striped borders if you are short of time.

Charts Requested

24th Oct 2014

The latest charts that have become availabe on my SHOP site are from stitchers with specific requests for a couple of my designs and this is just to let you know that I'm always willing to try and sort charts out for you if I possibly can.

I hoped to show you the angel wings stitched as a cushion, but I'm definitely having a bad computer day and appear to have lost the image! ......but it does look nice made up!

The...

Cross Stitch Collection - October issue

21st Oct 2014

In the present October edition of Cross Stitch Collection you can find some quick and pretty items to stitch. There are a couple here for you to see; I particulaly like the covered buttons with an attached loop for a really pretty hair band and the simple, but very effective floral card that gives the appearance of a watercolour painting; soft and quite natural. For those of you who like needlepoint or perhaps might wish to try, this chart would be...

Latest Christmas design

9th Oct 2014

If you are looking for Christmas inspiration then take a peep at the latest issue of Gold magazine 115 that is packed with seasonal goodies that you will love stitching during the run - up to the big day. Many of the designs will see you through the winter and even all year round. Here is one of the two designs I have in this issue and I think I would be happy to have this one on show for all...

Beautiful blackwork

9th Oct 2014

 A lovely story for me in the latest GOLD magazine from a stitcher from Ohio in the USA. Donna chose to stitch my blackwork angel for her local country fair and not only did she win a blue ribbon for her work but also Best in Show! Congratulations Donna I'm SO pleased that one of my designs helped.

This has been a very, very popular design and although the image from the magazine that shows Donna's stitched piece isn't very distinct I have added another...

All Aboard!

3rd Oct 2014

I have just added another chart to my Special Occasions section. Although shown as a  sampler for a baby, like my other samplers it can be adapted for an older child. As the chart is quite large and I have to minimise the resolutions the picture of the design is rather small. So you can get a better idea of the detail here is the first section of the train. It is quite a a fun picture I think, and also quite...

BOGUS trader!

29th Sep 2014

Please be aware of a bogus trader from Wigan who goes under the name of "bonsootbla" and who is selling two of my charts on EBAY. We know these nasty people are out there and, unfortunately, the buyer doesn't always get the correct product. These charts are not the genuine article and are not to the correct scale, PLUS they will cost you more to buy.

As shown in the picture the two on sale on that site are: a Christmas wreath and my...

The two teddy samplers

26th Sep 2014

Computers!!! Where did my two teds go?! Both charts are still shown on my Shop page but not on my Blog......... and they disappeared on my Facebook.

So I'll try again.

Both these teddy samplers are shown for new babies, but with the addition of a lower case alphabet and numbers which are sent out with each pdf chart, both the banners and the band for the names and dates can be altered so you can personalise each one. They will make lovely commemorative samplers for...

Exclusive Chinese dragon design

25th Sep 2014

The year of the dragon in the Chinese zodiac will be in 2024, so rather too long to wait as I think this magical, mystical beast needs stitching now! This design is EXCLUSIVE to my website and can be found on the Shop page under "Oriental".

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers. It is also a symbol of power and strength and good luck for people who are worthy of it. As you can see I have shown the design stitched...

A winner!!

23rd Sep 2014

Arlene Cohen contacted me earlier this year to get permission to submit a needlepoint picture that was reproduced from one of my cross stitch designs.  This was for a competition held by the American Needlepoint Guild......AND......she won!! But, she not only won first place in its category but also the Small Masterpiece special award as well.

Instead of the traditional 14 or 18 count Aida, she chose to reproduce my design on 40 count silk gauze. If you look at the picture you...

Just in time!!

18th Sep 2014

If you need a Christmas countdown then look no further than here! I have chosen the much - loved seasonal song, "The 12 Days of Christmas" This joyful design lends itself beautifully to being mounted in a hoop and with the extras of a clock mechanism from Sew and So it may well make a lovely gift for someone.

Each of the motifs will also be great for stitching as cards and tags so it is a very useful set of designs...