What Are You Stitching?

As promised, here is the second instalment of our wonderful array of counted projects sent in by our readers.

Edna Taylor

‘I love that needlepoint has evolved from merely basket weave and continental stitches.’

‘Many of the stitches I use are embroidery stitches and they give it such depth and character.’

‘No matter the craft, I find that as long as I am stitching, I am happy.’

We love your array of finished pieces, Edna. It’s wonderful how varied and interesting needlepoint is nowadays, not to mention how fabulous the colours and textures are.

Anna Styles

‘The little sampler is a design issued by Nicola Packman with all proceeds going to two fire stations in Australia to help pay for equipment lost in the recent bushfires.’

We featured Nicola’s design in All Stitched Up! issue #224 so it is really nice to see what the project looks like completed. Thank you for sharing it with us, Anna.

Jeannette Adee Roberts

‘My childhood was filled with many artistic family members. Needle arts of all types were imparted to me and my two sisters at our dear mother’s knee and have continued to be an integral part of who we are.’

‘I am always up for a challenge to learn a new, intriguing type of needle work artistry, so when I mentioned my interest in blackwork at my needlework group, a fellow member showed me her ‘chess board’ blackwork sampler.’

‘Being sufficiently inspired, I drew up a pattern for a peacock from a poster that I had, and with a blackwork book and patterns from the internet this Blackwork Peacock was created.’

‘Done entirely in dark brown (DMC 838, not black, as it had to match my decor!), the 14” x 18” (35cm x 45cm) piece eventually made its way to the Kansas State Fair where it received both a Blue Ribbon and Best of Division Ribbon.’

What a stunning piece of work, Jeannette. The patterns are so intricate and the peacock is very elegant. Well done, and we look forward to seeing what your next challenge is.

Sharon Gordon

‘I recently finished Hearts of the Kingdom sampler by Rosewood Manor. I stitched it one over one on a fabric called Purple Passion. The threads I used were a mixture of silk and colours, DMC Etoile and locally sourced cotton thread.’

‘I found the braid and pink sparkles in a local craft store. Now I have still to decide whether it will be framed or mounted.’

This is a lovely sampler done in gorgeous colours, Sharon. You should be very proud of your work – one over one can be quite difficult on the eyes.

Karen Friscia Zoback

‘I don’t do much cross stitch, but I saw these two charts and I really wanted to stitch them. They are done on 32 count linen and I now have them hanging in my powder room.’

They’re a perfect pair, Karen. We’re sure you must enjoy admiring them every time you use the powder room.

Passionate about counted work? We’d love to see your finished creations. Or perhaps the thought of counted work turns you cold, and you’re a surface stitcher all the way. If so, your finished projects are just as welcome. Whatever technique you choose, please send us a picture and a little bit about your stitching journey to news@inspirationsstudios.com