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It happens to the best of us, and the rest of us, too!
As I was busily working to finalize my pattern for the Mother's Day Floral, I was getting excited about getting it up quickly so others have time to stitch it for this upcoming Mother's Day. As I was incorporating my stitching changes on the chart, I realized that I had left out an entire leaf!
Not on the pattern... on the stitching! So, the image above is what the finished piece will look like. Almost. Can you tell where the missing leaf belongs?
A few more stitches, some final touches on the chart and instructions, and the image and pattern should be up within a few days.
Italic Outline Alphabet
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The outline alphabet is moving along nicely, with only the rest of the lower case letters and the punctuation remaining. Stitch it this way, or fill it in with cross stitches if you prefer.
Keep on Stitching,
March 3
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Click here for the Mother's Day Cross Stitch Chart
Here's the finished pattern for the Mother's Day Design. Remember, there is lettering for "Grandma," too.
Keep on Stitching,
March 10
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I just finished the outline alphabet, so I'll post it within a day or so. If you don't need an outline, you can use this one as a regular alphabet just by filling it in as I have done with the 'a' and 'b' at the bottom.
Keep on Stitching,
March 19
My Bear to Cross
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Counted cross stitch is one of the most popular of the needlework crafts. To its fans, the reasons don't matter much.
We've heard for a long time that people are either left-brained or right brained. Creative or logical. Artsy or organized. This always made sense to me, when looking at others.
However, I didn't fit into those categories so neatly. I have always been artistic. But in my corporate days, I worked in administrative management with accounting and budgets, processes and procedures. I thought I was an anomaly.
When I rediscovered embroidery, it obviously fulfilled my artistic side. But counted cross stitch, with row after row of neat little squares to fill in, also spoke to my organized nature. I believe that this popular craft is so widespread because it appeals to the creative, to the logical, and to those of us who are a little of both.
With this in mind, I designed this little "addicted to cross stitch" bear. And check out our shop at Cafe Press, where you can find lots of products displaying this same sentiment. How did they used to say it? . . . wear it loud, wear it proud!
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Come back to Now Stitching often to see how he shapes up.
Keep on Stitching,
March 23
My Bear to Cross Taking Shape
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As I was working on this little bear, it suddenly dawned on me how much difference it makes to print patterns on card stock. I've been doing that for the last several designs, and I noticed some of the dividends of using this simple tip.
I carry my work from room to room often. Since I don't have a specific place to stitch in every room, I often prop up my chart wherever I can at the moment: the bookshelf, an end table or lamp. Most patterns won't hold up for much of that.
With card stock, I don't have any folded-refolded areas in which the print is starting to disappear. The image remains as it was when I first printed it.
You can get card stock for your inkjet or other printer wherever you buy other papers. Stores such as WalMart, Staples and Office Max have such stock at reasonable prices, and you can certainly find them at stationary stores.
Just make sure that the stock you're considering is recommended for use in your printer.
I'm starting on the lettering for this design, so be sure to come back to Now Stitching soon.
Keep on Stitching,
March 25
Stitching Without a Hoop
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On a longer project, such as "My Bear to Cross," the way we handle fabric becomes even more important that usual. There is more possibility for wear and tear on the fabric and stitches and more chance for it to become dirty.
These tips help prevent excessive handling.
- When working without a hoop, I find it helpful to stitch from left to right. As I complete a section, I roll the completed area and pin it loosely. This roll then fits comfortably in my left hand, and the stitches and fabric are protected from wear and soiling.
- Any stitches calling for white or near-white floss are stitched near the end of the project to prevent soiling. If the project is wide, like this one, I'll often roll and pin a portion of the right side as well.
I stitch without a hoop or frame. I feel I have more control to manipulate fabric and thread, particularly important when using the sewing method of cross stitching.
Some express concerns about cross stitching in this manner. Pull the thread too tightly, and the fabric distorts and puckers; too little and the stitches are loose and sloppy.
But as with knitting, crocheting and other needle crafts, it doesn't take long to develop a feel for the correct amount of tension and it soon becomes second nature. For me, the increase in productivity outweighs the adjustment period for learning the correct stitch tension.
All of these factors contribute to projects that finish cleaner and without any signs of wear.
Keep on Stitching,
March 27
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The lettering for this "bear to cross" design is going quickly. Words usually do. There is very little guesswork about where the next stitches go. And these, in particular, are stitched in five graduated shades of pink, three rows for each color. Once you have the first row cross stitched for each character, the counting, from then on, is a breeze.
I now have several alphabets in the "to be stitched" pile. My kingdom for another set of hands! if you ever need an alphabet that must be certain number of stitches high and wide, contact me. I may already have one designed, and I'll gladly put it at the top of the stack for you.
I have a very different Easter design that I'll probably tackle next. It will be a terrific graphic for our Cafe Press products, too. The family tree has been put on the back burner while some of these holiday designs take precedence. I'll get back to them soon.
Keep on Stitching,
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