Cross Stitch Blog, page 28

Birds of a feather

29th Jun 2014

In CARD magazine, issue 97, there are some simple designs to stitch. Birds of a feather are full of colour and together with traditional blackwork create a bright, summery look. They require a bit more patience, but with whole stitches, a few fractionals and straightforward back stitch nothing too difficult. Here are four of the six designs available.

For really easy designs to stitch, especially if you are a tea addict, then look no further than 'Time for tea.' They look...

Japanese crane

29th Jun 2014

I adore oriental imagery, whether it is in paintings, decorative pottery or needlework. Here is my picture of a crane that reminds me of Japanese designs found on fine bone china plates and vases.

Oriental legend holds that the crane lives for a 1,000 years and in Japanese, Chinese and Korean tradition the bird represents peace and long life. Throughout Asia it is the symbol for peace, happiness, purity and fidelity and its image is used for happy occasions such as...

Hydrangea hanging

28th Jun 2014

Along with the lavender wreath comes another design for a flower, this time the hydrangea. I'm never quite certain how fond I am of this one. They can look brilliant in tubs and I’m always amazed at the sight of a large plant with a profusion of blooms in quite a small pot! We have though, planted a couple in the garden which I think during the next couple of months should look good; time will tell. The heads can...

Thank you

4th Jun 2014

Thank you to you all for such lovely comments about the recent posts... Lx

Herbal Essence

2nd Jun 2014

Hi everyone, as well as the previous design of the Michaelmas daisies I have a couple more in Cross Stitcher, issue 280. As many of you will know, this is quite a fun magazine with catchy, simple designs that are often colourful and cheery. I love working for it as it gives me the chance to try a different look at the design process.  The shapes and blocks of colours become the most important part of the design.

Here the poster and...

Delightful Daisies

1st Jun 2014

Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying some of the summer weather we have been getting, although for the past few day the flowers have been kept quite wet here in East Anglia. This design, from the latest issue of Cross Stitch Collection 237, shows the Michaelmas daisies which are a late summer delight.

I love the way Rebecca and her team have finished this design by making it into a long, rectangular cushion, with pretty ties at the ends. It...

Age of elegance

22nd May 2014

This lovely Art Nouveau lady is to be found in the latest edition of The World of Cross Stitching, issue 217.

The distinct style of this period has always been a favourite of mine. I love the way it draws on the beauty of nature, and this lends itself perfectly to a soft, summery colour palette. I have used pretty pastel shades to give the design a fresh feel, breathing life into a classic style. The beautiful border of butterflies and...

Vintage Charm

15th May 2014

As well as the wedding sampler in the current issue of World of Cross Stitching you can also find this delightful picture that shows a Great tit amongst pretty trailing , pink briar roses and a head of a peony flower peeping out in the corner. These, along  with  the ornate, dainty birdcage make it a delightful scene that will add a touch of style to any home.  Find this in the latest Cross Stitch CRAZY, issue 191.

I personally think this picture would also be  lovely...

Happily Ever After

15th May 2014

This modern style wedding sampler was in the last issue of World of Cross Stitching, issue 216

The beautiful border is made up of traditionally themed motifs, worked in lovely bright, pretty shades for a thoroughly modern twist. Although the shapes are simple there is still plenty of detail, created using a variety of stitches and colours. And of course, many parts of the design can be stitched as single motifs that will make splendid cards for that very special day…just...

Update...

11th May 2014

Hi to everyone that has tried to contact me this past week. I'm still here, but I have just had a wonderful, quiet and relaxing week away with David and the two dogs in the Shropshire / Hereford borders... and no work was allowed... it was banned!

I will be in touch with each of you later in the week to answer your queries.

Lesley x

PS: I thought you might like to see a picture of a very naughty Webley, taken whist...

Baby Love...

1st May 2014

My new book has also been advertised in GOLD, for further details on how to purchase it then please follow the links:

http://edp.dmc.fr/catalogue/uk2014/#106 http://edp.dmc.fr/catalogue/uk2014/#106

There is no need to buy a catalogue as the books are available from DMC stockists throughout the country many of whom offer a mail order service at: http://www.stitcher.co.uk/view-product.asp?ssn=37620&product=cute-baby-models

RRP at £6.99

Ballet Dancer

1st May 2014

The beautiful dancer that is also included, should be a hit with budding little ballerinas for many years. Shown here made into a bag, this would surely be a very special present for them but it would also make a delightful picture. In fact the style of frame used on the waterlily would be great.

And, is anyone for Tea! Let this novel cushion, based on vintage china with a modern twist, be just your cup of tea!!

Summer Beauty

1st May 2014

The waterlily and dragonfly seem to complement each other perfectly, and this design, worked in a gorgeous palette of pink and green threads, with bolder golden yellows for highlights is an absolute favourite with me. With the addition of pearl seed beads and stitched on a lovely dove grey cashel linen this will be one of my all time favourite designs.

The design can certainly be turned into a cushion but I have to say that the frame that the editor,...

Simply Stylish

29th Apr 2014

Another simple design to stitch. This one is to be found in the latest Cross Stitch Collection, issue 236.

Anemones are one of my favourite flowers. It is lovely to see the buds opening gradually to reveal not only the beautiful array of coloured petals, but the gorgeous black, velvety centres as they appear.

This picture, as a design, is quite restrained. You get to notice each bloom in its own colourful glass bottle. The flowers don't require any more detail than...

My latest book

28th Apr 2014

Medina Bailey has kindly chosen my latest book, Cross Stitch Baby Models as one of her best buys for May.

Check out my blog on March 20 for more pictures from the book and details of how to purchase it.

Fancy Florals

28th Apr 2014

Well, I now know many of you, like me, enjoy stitching flowers without backstitches which really allows the colours to shine through. So, put a smile on your face with one of these splendid blooms that are to be found in the latest edition of Card Shop,(issue 96)

The subjects are shown in close - up, so you can see all the fine details. There are no fractional stitches in any of these designs, which is great news for beginners. The...

A big thank you

26th Apr 2014

To everyone who has recently been in touch about my recent charts on my blog, a big thank you from me to you all. Forgive me, in this instance, for not replying individually as there have been so many lovely comments about my latest designs.

Happy stitching; it is lovely to be able to bring a touch of happiness and to know my designs are liked,

Lesley x

Home Sweet Home

24th Apr 2014

With their sherbet colours and simplistic style, this sweet trio is the perfect way to welcome you home.

There's a homespun, handmade feel to this charming set. On sale now in the latest Cross Stitch Crazy, issue 190. The set is stitched on evenweave and if you have never stitched on this fabric before these three projects will be a great way to start.
Begin with the small hanging and work your way up to the cushion. PLUS, if you...