|
I don't post new patterns until I have stitched them. Often a design element that looks good on the screen doesn't work on the fabric, so I'll point out changes along the way.
Since I rarely work on only one project at a time, there will always be something to see here. The best way to know when I've updated "Now Stitching..." is to subscribe to my Better Cross Stitch Pattern Blog. Then, any time something changes on this site (including Now Stitching), you will be notified.
Don't worry, there's nothing to sign up for. You needn't give your email address. To subscribe, and to be sure not to miss additions to Now Stitching, just follow the link above or click on one of the buttons below the menu where it says "Subscribe To This Site."
Half the fun of cross stitch is sharing it with others--family, friends, anyone who shows an interest...
Allen and I work from home, so he's my audience (and critic) for getting input on new designs. I can always depend on the grand kids for a good review. (Neat, Grandma! Can you get me a cookie?)
But when it comes to cross stitch, I want to make designs you will be proud to stitch and have fun doing it!
The most recent entries in Now Stitching are at the top.
Nested Hearts Alphabet Design Completed
This alphabet has been finished for a while -- since just after Valentine's Day. But after doing the "Love Lasts" pattern, I was inspired to work that into a full-fledged Wedding Record.
I'm into my third week of designing, and I'm so anxious to finish the chart and start stitching. It is a larger and more detailed, and for such an important occasion, that I want to make sure every part is just right.
Like the alphabet I'm posting today, I can already tell that it, too, will look better stitched than in the design software. Because of that, I may not print the design first, but instead post photos more frequently as I stitch. Then, when the design begins to take shape, I'll post the design as it looks on my screen.
A big "Thank You!" to everyone who takes the time from their busy lives to post positive feedback about the site either in email to me or on other sites and forums. They always seem to come right when I need encouragement the most.
Thanks for your patience, too. and as always . . .
Keep on Stitching,
Nested Hearts Alphabet Design Started
While finishing up my 'Love Lasts' design, I had an idea for a heart alphabet.
The hearts are nested in the body of the letters and appear very subtle in small sizes and more evident in larger ones.
Click image for larger version.
Watch Now Stitching for progress on this design.
Keep on Stitching,
'Love Lasts' Pattern Finished
Click image for larger version.
Note the very subtle hearts that form the backgound.
Something that does not show up in these photos are the Krenek highlights centered within the central hearts and bordering hearts and crosses.
Click here for the Love Lasts Cross Stitch pattern.
It's not too late for Valentine's Day, and remember this one for anniversaries and weddings!
Return to Now Stitching to our next design!
Keep on Stitching,
February 1
Decisions, Decisions...
Click image for larger version.
As you can see, the major portion -- consisting of cross stitches -- is finished. But I still have to determine the backstitching. And, as I've mentioned before, sometimes there is no better way to decide that than to try it out with needle and thread.
Across the inside top horizontal border, I've tried three things. On the left end, I've backstitched the straight edge and around the crosses...
A bit past the middle I stopped outlining the crosses, only lining the edge...
And, at the right end, I've only backstitched directly under "every other" cross stitch...
I really like how the variegated floss looks in the center wording, but I believe I'll end up outlining those letters, especially since the light ones are really light. (Click on the first image to see the lettering larger.)
I love how the "mock lace" looks. It helps the illusion to allow the cross stitches to have their naturally jagged edges without backstitching. But on the left, you can see how I've tried backstitching just the very outer edge. In this instance, I believe I will go ahead and use dark definition in this portion of the border.
Remember, many of these decisions are a matter of personal taste. There is no right or wrong, so follow your own "eye." These same decisions might even be different if you choose a different color scheme.
This went quickly, so it is realistic to finish it by Valentine's Day. My schedule didn't allow me to work on this significantly each day. But if you can, a couple of good days of weekend stitching will complete it.
And remember this one for anniversaries and weddings!
Return to Now Stitching to how this design finishes!
Keep on Stitching,
January 27
Lace Taking Shape in Stitching
Click image for larger version.
As I stitch this design, I'm pleased that it is taking on the appearance of lace. It's one thing to plan it and another to see it happen!
Keep coming back to Now Stitching to see this design develop!
Keep on Stitching,
January 26
Valentine's Day Design Progress
Click image for larger version.
Valentine's Day gives us the perfect opportunity to express our love. And nothing says that better than 1 Corinthians, verse 13:4-7. And though we're most familiar with the extended version, "Love is patient, love is kind . . ., verse 7 says it most succinctly. Our minds (or hearts!) fill in the rest.
These two versions both feature a lacey border surrounding the words. As with any design containing a repetitive pattern, such as the borders featured here, stitching goes quickly.
I'm toying around with the idea of stitching the letters in a variegated floss containing the same colors. Here, they're represented in the individual shades, which could be changed to reflect your personal preference.
Also yet to be decided is the fine backstitched line on the inside border of the lace. When I get the outside lace complete, I'll start stitching in that dark line and then decide whether or not to include it.
I may outline the crosses, just to make them stand out. As sophisticated as cross stitch design programs can be, sometimes there is no substitute for seeing the design on fabric. I will not backstitch all the edges of the border, because those little jagged edges add to the illusion of lace.
Our popular "Alphabet 22 - Curly Q" provides the perfect lettering for the verse.
This makes a great wedding gift as well. Consider changing the colors to match the colors in the wedding. Then lengthen the piece, and add the marriage statistics for a personal and lasting gift.
Keep coming back to Now Stitching for the final pattern and more designs!
Keep on Stitching,
January 14
"Santa" Alphabet Pattern Posted
Click image for the Santa Cross Stitch Alphabet 28 Pattern
I'm not late for Christmas 2009... I'm just way early for Christmas 2010! I've probably mentioned before that one of my sisters really does start her Christmas gifts in January. She's the one that encouraged me to post this pattern now.
It's a mindset, I suspect. When you can't finish a project by the planned date, don't just quit. Forge ahead. It doesn't detract from the value of the item you stitch. Years from now, no one, including you, will recall when it was posted. All you'll remember is the talent, the hard work, the love you put into creating a hand-crafted piece. Isn't that how it should be?
If you're having trouble finding just the right alphabet, check out our latest... Alphabet 28 - Santa. On the pattern page, I've shown how letters that make a perfect "Santa", also make an ideal "Noel," just by changing a couple of small details. If you can't find exactly what you want, remember that small changes can make a big difference in the look and feel of your letters.
And keep coming back to Now Stitching for more designs, even for Christmas!
Keep on Stitching,
December 5
"Holiday" Alphabet Pattern Posted
Click image for the Holiday Alphabet 24 Pattern.
Alphabet 24 has a simple elegance about it, making it great for monograms, holiday designs, and anything else that needs just the right touch.
You can close up the gaps in some of the letters if you prefer, just by adding an extra stitch. Note the h, p, a, b and e. The pattern page shows some examples.
Have fun with this one! And be sure to come back to Now Showing for more Christmas designs, before and after December 25, for all you early birds out there who like to get a head start on next Christmas!
Keep on Stitching,
December 4
"Let it Snow!" Pattern Posted
Click image for the Let it Snow! Pattern.
This has been such a hectic couple of months--lots of Halloween and Thanksgiving to-do's, school activities, Christmas gifts to start making, not to mention the colds and flu making their rounds through our family a couple of times. My "didn't get done" list grows by the day, and yet, circumstances often arise that require us to slow down.
My mother, who will be 85 in a couple of days, just had cataract surgery on one eye, and will have the other done today. She is still active and vital, and I credit her for giving me my love of crafts. Her eyes have been failing for a while, now, and it has taken it's toll on her ability to enjoy her handiwork. Fortunately, the doctor says she will likely need only reading glasses once she's healed. Wow! The wonders of science, and the miracle of God's guiding hand!
Anyway, in helping through her day and night of having one eye patched made me particularly thankful for the eyesight that I so need to do the things I love. Years ago I lost my ability to be very active, but I rarely mourned. After all, I love to cross stitch and draw and crochet and paint and . . . the list is endless, and they can all be done from my living room couch. Being less mobile gave me focus. But, in helping Mom after surgery, I realized how I would despair at the loss of my eyesight.
During this season of miracles, I'll remember to give thanks for those everyday gifts which I so easily take for granted. I hope that you, too, have blessings that give your life purpose and meaning. I've learned to look carefully; many of my most important ones came disguised as problems.
Keep on Stitching,
November 19
"Let it Snow!" Assembled
Click image for larger version.
Keep on Stitching,
November 19
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" Photo Updated
Click image for larger version.
I'm posting the assembled ornament for Hark! to point out the difference that fringe length makes. The fringe on Hark! is two stitches narrower on each side compared with our other designs. (Of course, you can change the length to anything that suits you, including trimming close for a no-fringe appearance.)
Keep on Stitching,
October 31
"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" Pattern Posted
Click image for larger version.
You might notice that I'm posting this one before I have assembled it. Since that part of it is the same from design to design, I have added photos of previously completed ornaments to the pattern page so you can get the idea.
Since I'm finishing up the "Let it Snow!" stitching, I want to get that up soon, too. Watch Now Stitching for that one soon.
Wow! Is it almost November?!
Keep on Stitching,
October 16
"Let it Snow!" Stitching Coming Along
Click image for larger version.
I love the way this one is turning out! The colors really "pop" against the white fabric. Better in person than in my photo.
I'm toying around with the idea of backstitching the snow flake in a darker color. We'll see how that comes out.
My list of Christmas ornament ideas is getting longer, much better than usual for this time of year. I'm working on another Christmas alphabet, too. Watch Now Stitching for developments on that...
Keep on Stitching,
October 13
"Let it Snow!" Christmas Ornament Design
Click image for larger version.
Here's another design for the Christmas ornament series. Of course, you can use them in many ways... greeting card, framed cross stitch, in the corners of a fancy table cloth or runner... whatever you can imagine. Try pairing this one with some of the others.
Snow has already come to us here in the U.S. Midwest. A bit early and it didn't stay long, only an inch of it, but it did remind us that winter is right around the corner. All the leaves that had turned to autumn colors and were soon to fall came off all at once with the wet snow, perfectly timed for this design!
Watch Now Stitching... as stitching proceeds.
Keep on Stitching,
October 9
Stitching Finished for "Hark!" Christmas Ornament
Click image for larger version.
I put the final touches on the front of the "Hark" ornament by overstitching the angel's gown with lavender metallic and the the wings with gold metallic floss. The gold halo was the last detail.
I was reminded, again, how rewarding (and in some cases, how frustrating!) it can be to stitch with these specialty flosses... especially compared to how simple standard cotton floss is.
See our detailed diagrams and instructions for tips on using metallic floss by clicking on the "How-to" menu button, then selecting the "Metallic Floss Tips" link at the bottom of the page. Or save the bother, and click here for Metallic Floss Tips: 5 Tips for Stunning Results.
I plan to post these ornament patterns within a couple of days of completing the front stitching. Since the back of every ornament is going to be personalized--both by me and by you--I'll create a chart with the lettering for various sentiments.
Click image for larger version.
The individual ornament pattern will then have all the instructions for assembling the ornament, duplicating the look of the "Joy," "Peace" and "Hope" ornaments in the photographs.
You can see all Christmas ornament designs together here.
Watch Now Stitching... for assembly progress.
Keep on Stitching,
October 3
Golden Treasures Bookmark Series
Iris Chart Completed
As I stitched this design, I wondered how often we wish we were somewhere else or "things were different." If popular media are any reflection of us (and I hope they aren't), it's pretty often.
Even those of us who hope to have an impact on the world wish we had more time to devote, or our circumstances would enable us to do more, or if...
The answer is in the phrase, "Bloom where you're planted!" After all, we must be where we are for a reason. If we each "bloom" where we are, we can have a powerful impact in our own little corner of the world.
Perhaps we should give a little more credit to the one who put us here. Even the lowly iris does a great job of that!
Keep on Stitching,
October 1
Christmas Ornament Stitching in Progress
Click image for larger version.
OK.
I can't help it.
I LOVE stitching these ornaments!
- They are easy to stitch--very few specialty stitches, and certainly no difficult ones. Plus, elements in the design have very defined, predictable edges, so the patterns are easy to count and easy to follow (no impressionist motifs here).
- Stitching goes quickly. I started this ornament yesterday, and worked about 5 hours while doing seven loads of laundry (including folding and hanging up!). I picked it up this morning, and worked for another 5 hours. It's nice to see the design coming together so quickly.
- Even when I have lots of interruptions, I find myself motivated to keep picking it up again for just a few more stitches, then a few more, and a few more...
- Each ornament in this series can easily be completed in a weekend.
And at about five inches square and only a handful of floss colors (most are the standard Christmas colors), they are very inexpensive to make. And who doesn't appreciate that!
Watch this one closely on Now Stitching. It will finish quickly.
Keep on Stitching,
Previous Entries
This page would become too slow to load if we didn't divide it occasionally. You can follow each specific design from the beginning by choosing the project you wish to track from the following menu. Each is listed according to when it was introduced in Now Stitching, and may appear on several later pages.
November, 2008 Thanksgiving Alphabet, "The Word" Bookmark, Joy Ornament, Peace Ornament
December, 2008 Curling Ribbon Alphabet Design
January, 2009 For My Mother
February, 2009 Outline Alphabet
March, 2009 My Bear to Cross
April, 2009 He Is Risen
May-June, 2009 Garden Treasures, Floral Alphabet, Addicted to Cross Stitch Alphabet
July, 2009 Garden Treasures Tulip Bookmark, "Christmas Holly" Alphabet
August, 2009 "Christmas Holly" Alphabet, "Basic Block" Alphabet
September, 2009 "Curly Q's" Alphabet, Hark! The Herald Angel Ornament
Return from Now Stitching... to Better Cross Stitch Patterns Blog
Return from this page... to the Better Cross Stitch Patterns Home Page
