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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Picture and Pillow

One of the things I find exciting about stitching is deciding how to finish each project.  Some are obvious, some are not.  Some turn out great.....some not so great (RATS!).

Here is a photo of a pillow I made for my very best friend.  I found the free pattern on a wonderful blog, http://aurelle.over-blog.com.  The blog is in French, but it seems stitchers can communicate with each other no matter what language they speak.  "Amitie" means "friendship" in English.



I framed the Spirit of the Heart completed cross stitch and decided to hang it in my studio.  If anyone is interested in how I prepared the design for framing, let me know - I'd be happy to put together a tutorial so you can frame your own pieces - saves a lot of $$ - which means more to spend on floss and fabric - HA!

Now off to stitch up the St. Patrick's Day inspired design to share with you next week.
Cheers!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

My Gift to You - My First Free Pattern

I have been overwhelmed with the unselfish sharing in the cross stitch world.  I've visited blog after blog and, inevitably, the blogger shares her talents with others by posting free patterns.  They have inspired me to take a step into the unknown and design some of my own pieces.

I had several design ideas and, after doing some research,  purchased MacStitch (http://www.ursasoftware.com) a few days ago.  It's  VERY user friendly.  I'm still learning to use the program, so please be patient with me.

I designed and stitched, made some alterations, stitched some more - and finally completed my first attempt at designing.  There are a few "footnotes" to the pattern I will share (see below) so when you print it, you'll have all you need to know.

A little background:  when I was in my teens, twenties and early thirties, I was head over heels into needlework.  I saw a mini-sampler that said "The work of the hands brings forth the spirit of the heart."  It resonated with me because I feel when I create something and give that creation to someone, I am giving a part of myself.  I wish I knew who originally coined the phrase so I could give credit where credit is due. This saying inspired my first design I'm sharing with you.




I ask you use this freebie for personal use and not for profit.  Please send photos if you stitch it up, as I'd love to see your handiwork.

If you have questions about the design, don't hesitate to contact me.

Footnotes:
  1.    Mill Hill Beads (Gold) #00557 were used on the cuffs
  2.    I used Aida 16-count
Enjoy!

Monday, February 18, 2013

A Brave New World

Greetings!

I recently discovered Lynn B's "Happiness is Cross Stitching" blog (happinessiscrossstitching.blogspot.com).  Lynn's blog led me to fall in love with needlework that I have sadly missed for many years.  Lynn's tutorials and selfless sharing have inspired me to open the closet that has protected my projects over the years.  And what a treasure trove!!  My brain feels like it's going to explode.

So many ideas and projects.....so little time.

There are so many wonderful websites and blogs from those who love thread and needle - I hope my blog will inspire those who may have been in a bit of a lull.  I look forward to hearing from you and sharing my love and passion for stitching.

Thanks to Lynn B's tutorial, I created my first fabric box.  She also provided me with the fabulous initial pattern.



Kim M