I think I’m a typical cross stitcher. A creature of habit. When I plan a new project, I reach straight for the Aida fabric. There’s something comforting about always doing things in the same way. Today, I’ve resolved to move out of my comfort zone. Nothing too dramatic though. It’s just that my next project is going to be on evenweave, not Aida.

So – what’s the difference? Well, it has more of a rustic look. Evenweave provides a finer background to the stitching. There are regular numbers of holes per inch (hence the name). Threads are woven singly rather than in blocks. The warp and the weft are woven evenly. Working on evenweave is not difficult for the Aida addict. Just different. Evenweaves are available in many different colours and counts.

Here are some quick tips for using evenweave:

1. If you are using a design that recommends Aida, but you want to transfer this to evenweave, just double the Aida count for the correct count of evenweave. For example, for a 14-count Aida, use a 28-count evenweave.

2. DMC fabric is colour-matched to some of the company’s threads. This makes things very easy!

3. Be aware of the tension of your stitches when you are working on evenweave. If your stitches are too tight, you can warp the fabric. A stitch hoop or frame can be useful here – but remember to remove it after each stitching session to prevent marking or stretching the fabric.

4. Evenweave frays more quickly than Aida, so bind the edges before you begin your project.

5. Make every stitch over two threads of the evenweave or into every other hole.

6. Good news – it’s easier to make fractional stitches on evenweave because there’s a hole in the middle of the block where you can work a tiny quarter stitch.

7. Always use a tapestry or cross stitch needle with blunt ends. (A tapestry needle has a larger eye than most other types of needle. It is oval in shape which makes it easier to thread a number of strands at the same time.)
Because the threads on evenweave are woven individually, the threads form more easily than Aida, and this makes evenweave fabric suitable for all sorts of other uses. As well as using it for stitching samplers, pictures and cards, try stitching designs to use as cushion covers and tablelinen.

If you are still wondering whether or not to try evenweave, why not try a small project – like a card or a bookmark – and see how you get on. Do share it with us too!

Happy Stitching!

 Iona
 

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If you are choosing a cross-stitched gift for someone special in your life, I think that an Angel may be a design to consider.

I have recently completed an Angels cross stitch project from the Patterns Patch club as a free download. This will be a gift for a neighbour who has been good to me, and I wanted to do something that showed my gratitude to her. I was wondering wonder why it is that Angels are so popular – in cross stitch and other arts.

Here are some essential facts:

1. It seems that many people believe that angels are guiding spirit beings who act as God’s messengers. Although the characteristics  of Angels and the tasks given to them vary across many traditions and religions, in Christianity, Judaism and Islam, they typically act as messengers from God. Other roles in religious traditions include acting as warrior or guard; the concept of a Guardian Angel is popular in modern Western culture.
2. A recent survey published in Time magazine revealed that 69 percent of Americans believe in Angels, and 46 percent of that group believe they have a personal Guardian Angel. Many people believe that Guardian Angels are spiritual beings that assist people here on Earth in various ways.
3. Angels are anthropomorphic - meaning ‘in the shape of men’ - winged forms intended to transmit the word of God to humankind. Angels personify divine will and are the messengers of God. Winged messengers appear in a number of religions as intermediaries between the spiritual and material worlds, but appear most often in Islamic, Jewish but most particularly the Christian faiths.
4. The word Angel comes from the Greek ‘aggelos’, meaning messenger. The concept of angels probably evolved from winged deities described in Egyptian, Sumerian and Semitic beliefs.
5. Symbols closely associated with angels in art include trumpets, harps, swords, sceptres and wands. Angels are usually portrayed as young men with wings and halos, representing their divinity. The representation of angels as Cupid-like young boys or babies, ‘putti’ did not occur until the period of the Renaissance.
If you are thinking of choosing an angel as a subject to cross stitch, you will find that they are a wonderfully inspiring subject. There are many wonderful images of angels that can be perfect to send a positive message as a gift to a friend. You can be sure of sending a message of friendship, love and hope that angels symbolize to your friends and family.
Have you stitched an Angel design as a gift? They do appear to bring pleasure to the recipient. Do share with us your ideas!
Happy stitching
Iona 

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I have just watched a TV advertisement for cider. It stated that ‘time is at its best when you lose track of it’. I agree with this – especially when I am stitching. I have known hours to fly past when I have been engaged in a particular project that has interested me. However, ‘time’ can be a luxury nowadays, when we all seem to have so many things to do every day. I have therefore thought of some time-saving tips for stitching; these will hopefully help you to complete projects quickly when you need to.

Store your stitching stash well. It is very frustrating to have to spend time looking through your cupboards and boxes for some essential stitching item. It’s therefore a good idea to spend a couple of hours organising all your stitching paraphernalia, so that they are easily accessible.

Travel with your cross stitch projects. Keep a small project carefully packed in a handbag or tote bag when you are out and about, and when you have time – waiting in a doctor’s or dentist’s waiting room, or travelling on a bus, you know you can have a few minutes’ stitching.

Spend an occasional evening with stitching friends. You can all stitch, have fun and talk together.

Try stitching all the left-to-right arms of your stitching first. Then, you can take your project on a train journey and fill in the right-to-left stitches without having to spread out a chart in front of you.

Stitch more than one project at the same time. Keep a large project – where you have to concentrate hard – for evenings at home. Take card or bookmark projects to work – or elsewhere - with you. You never know when you will have an unexpected five minute when you can sew just one length of thread.

If you enjoy music or listening to the radio, what are your hands doing? They could be stitching. And remember – hands that are stitching are not in that biscuit tin!

Do you have some tips to add to this list? I’d love to receive them.

Happy Stitching

Iona 

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I had always thought that I wasn’t creative. Now, I believe that everyone can learn to look and to see things creatively if they wish. Yesterday, I was reading an article by stitching guru, Jane Greenoff. She and her husband had visited Hampton Court Palace near London, and were on their way to lunch at a café. Rather than concentrate on what food awaited them, they looked around - and were drawn to colourful patches of pansies and violets. They stopped and took photographs from many different angles, and as a result of that diversion, Jane launched a series of designs, called ‘Pansy, for Thoughts’ that has delighted thousands of cross stitchers worldwide.

The moral seems to be that inspiration is never far away, if we open our eyes and observe our surroundings. Here are some things that can delight you if you look carefully:

Countryside: leaves, grasses, flowers, tree silhouettes, bark, patterns of fields, stones, feathers, clouds

Towns: brickwork, paving stones, wheels, angles of roofs, plants in containers, urban sunsets

Seaside: shells, pebbles, rocks, pools, seabirds, seaweed 

At home: people, pets, vases of flowers, houseplants, still life, teapots, toys.

‘But I can’t draw,’ I hear you say. Well, neither can I. Over the next few weeks, I’ll show you how you can discover your talents for observation and for transferring what you see into a beautiful design. This blog theme will pop upregularly. We shall look at software too that can help you. And if you need help with transferring a photo into a cross stitch design, then membership of Patterns Patch can give you a free service for that along with many other benefits.

Tomorrow marks the anniversary of Disneyland opening in Los Angeles 53 years ago! How many Disney characters have you stitched for younger members of the family – or even for yourself?

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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Today, I visited a friend of mine who has recently suffered from sight loss. She can still see strong colours and shapes, and she has used this ability to continue her cross stitching. Instead of using traditional patterns and equipment, she now uses Binca, a fabric that has a low hole-count, and also can be felt easily with the fingers as well as seen. She only also uses strong and contrastive colours – and hey presto… she completes great projects.

I feel humbled to think that her stitching is often neater than my own. With this in mind, I have drawn together a list of considerations to protect your eyesight, prevent eyestrain and to make stitching easier:

Use light wisely. When stitching during a bright day, sit with your back to a window if possible. The sunlight will stream over your shoulder and onto your stitching. Invest in a good Daylight lamp and magnifier. There are many to choose from, and the best can be expensive so consider putting one on your Christmas present list. Of course, you can use one for reading, writing and other crafts as well as stitching. For economy, consider replacing the bulb of a regular table of anglepoise lamp with a Daylight bulb.

Have regular eye tests and make sure that if you wear eye glasses, they continue to be the correct prescription for your needs.

Use a needle threader. Always. This can prevent a lot of frustration. 

Take your eyes off your work every few minutes when you are stitching. Focus on a distant object for a minute or too. You may care to stretch your legs at this time too. 

Use clear patterns/charts. You may notice that some are small and difficult to see in magazines. You may need to enlarge these via a photocopier.  The patterns/charts from the www.PatternsPatch.com club in contrast are very clear – and you can enlarge them to the size you require onscreen.

Today is St Swithun’s (St Swithin’s) Day. In the UK, it is a tradition to believe that if it rains today, then it will rain for the next forty days. Although we can laugh at this, research shows that in 70% of years, this is a true prediction! 

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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A warm welcome to the new blog from Patterns Patch.

My name is Iona and I look forward to writing blog entries every few days especially for you. We plan to make this an inspiring, friendly and upbeat place where you can explore cross stitch and learn new techniques.

As a seasoned cross stitcher and regular writer for cross stitch publications, I shall be sharing with you insider information, unusual facts, and short cuts to better stitching. I shall also be including series of themes, returning to them regularly, so you will always have a favourite topic to look forward to. These include:

1. Cross Stitch Across the World. You can learn about different cultures all over the world by following our theme that will visit wide ranging cultures worldwide.
2. Time to Cross Stitch. I shall remind you of important dates and celebrations worldwide throughout the year. What better way to celebrate than to cross stitch a design of your favourite celebratory day…
3. Creative You. This series examines creativity. How to be creative, or harness your creative skills to make beautiful cross stitch projects. I used to think that I was uncreative. Now I know that with a bit of encouragement, we all can surprise ourselves with our achievements. I’ll share some secrets of creativity, and you can add some of your ideas too.
4. Cross Stitch is Good for You. This theme explains how cross stitch can help you through difficult times, improve self esteem, help you to relax, convalesce, overcome any bad habits and make new friends…
5. Cross Stitch Dimensions… Have you explored a new design theme recently? Fantasy, Myths and Magic, Astrology, Celtic Art, Samplers, Quick-Stitch, Cross Stitch Gifts. We’ll be visiting those projects, and many more…

Among these blog entries, there will be surprise articles that will respond to your suggestions and comments. I shall also be gently challenging you to broaden your stitching horizons and stitch outside your comfort zone, occasionally.

I hope this will be an uplifting place where we can all have fun.

Happy Stitching!

Iona

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Wedding Cross Stitch Patterns – An Heirloom in the Making

When a you or a loved one plan to get married, your thoughts can turns to having a memories to last your lifetime and naturally there will be lots of photographs. Choosing a wedding cross stitch pattern which can be customized with the bride and Groom’s names and wedding date is excellent way to accomplish this task and create a family heirloom too!

If you are thinking about completing a wedding cross stitch pattern, you will need to begin early – in fact, the earlier the better. Cross stitch, while a beautiful art and craft form, is quite time intensive. Be prepared to spend hours completing the project. However, if done with love and care, it will surely be a treasure for years to come.

Many people seek Free Wedding Cross Stitch Patterns, Counted Cross Stitch Wedding Patterns, and don’t forget, you can then do seek out Free Wedding Anniversary Cross Stitch Patterns as an anniversary gift!

There are a number of companies that have created either Free or Counted Cross Stitch Wedding Patterns especially to celebrate a wedding day. Some of those companies are: Kooler Design Studio, Dimensions, Bucilla, Leisure Arts, and many more. In fact, most cross stitch companies will have some type of cross stitch patterns for weddings. And, while you might think only of creating a sampler to be framed, the designs can include anything from pillows to wedding albums, all lovingly cross stitched by hand.

Traditionally, the sampler was used as a teaching tool for a young girl in Victorian times. The young girl would learn how to sew, embroider, and cross stitch by completing an alphabet, a picture, and often acted as way to record family information. It’s quite possible that it was out of this tradition that the wedding sampler was born.

Choosing your pattern for you cross stitch project may not be easy, especially since there are so many wedding cross stitch patterns on the market. You might consider the tastes of the couple, as well as the colors they plan on using for the ceremony. Are they frilly and mushy – requiring flowers and lace? Or are they more modern and likely to go against tradition?

One of the best ways for you to discover counted cross stitch wedding patterns to choose from is to do a google search. When you want to search here’s what you do:

For “Free Wedding anniversary cross stitch patterns” enter “Free wedding anniversary cross stitch patterns” into your search box. Do the same again if you want: “Free wedding cross stitch patterns” or “Counted cross stitch wedding patterns” etc. etc. One thought to consider when choosing a wedding cross stitch pattern is using the lyrics of a special song, if they have one.

You could also use the text of a favorite poem, or have a picture of them made into a cross stitch pattern that you can complete.

Whatever pattern you choose, remember that it will take some time to finish, so you might want to look at simpler patterns. Every bride wants to remember her wedding day. Besides the photographs taken, there is no better way for you to help her do that than with a hand-stitched counted cross stitch wedding pattern gift. Choose carefully from the myriad patterns available.

The wedding cross stitch pattern you choose then use will be an heirloom for the couple to cherish for years to come.

Warmly

Julia Wigham
PS. To discover details about Free Wedding Cross Stitch Patterns, Counted Cross Stitch Patterns . . . even where you may find Free Wedding anniversary cross stitch patterns - claim your Free Gift - A comprehensive FREE Report on cross Stitch at:
http://www.patternspatch.com

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With Halloween now over for cross stitchers, your holiday fun begins with the excitement of the vast range of cross stitch patterns for Christmas Cross Stitch and Santa Claus Counted Cross Stitch.

There are many different versions of the Santa Claus counted cross stitch available – from the tradition Saint Nicholas and Sinterklaas to the current North Pole versions. Santa Claus counted cross stitch projects also make great Christmas presents in framed pieces, pillows, ornaments stockings, toys and other home décor.

Since Christmas cross stitch items are so popular, all of the major counted cross stitch pattern vendors do something in the Santa Claus theme. Leisure Arts offers a pattern book called Christmas Traditions with several Santa Claus patterns. They also offer other holiday themed pattern books, including The Charms of Christmas, Christmas Keepsakes and others.

Additionally, the Santa Claus counted cross stitch patterns are often paired with other strong Christmas themes like Holiday quotes, wreaths and garland and reindeer. Other popular Christmas themed counted cross stitch are scenes from the Nutcracker, which go well with Santa Claus counted cross stitch as they use the same color palette.

Another theme in Christmas cross stitch are patterns that combine themes from many different traditions. Santa Claus patterns with nativity scenes have become popular as have fusion patterns that include Jewish menorahs and Kwanzaa Kinaras. With more multi-cultural families, multiple traditions are being celebrated at the same time. There are many families that celebrate Christmas and more earthly winter solstice themes.

Waiting for Santa Cross Stitch Christmas Stocking patterns are among the most favorite items for Santa Claus counted cross stitch and Christmas cross stitch in general. These items make great gifts and also become family keepsakes. In addition to the Christmas cross stitch themed patterns, names can also be cross stitched on the Christmas stocking cross stitch stockings to make them more personalized. Don’t forget about the 12 Days of Christmas counted cross stitch patterns you can find as well.

Snowflake cross stitch patterns and free cross stitch snowflakes are very popular and can combine Snowmen and Santa Claus images as part of the snowflake cross stitch patterns. Waiting for Santa Cross stitch Christmas Stockings and Christmas cross stitch patterns in general, most often come in kits with the stocking, pattern and all the yarn needed together in one package.

In addition to other Christmas craft projects, Bucilla stocks many different Santa Claus craft kits. Most are Christmas stockings, but they also offer tree skirts and ornaments. Bucilla products combine counted cross stitch and other products, such as felt appliqué and linen crewel. Bucilla products are popular because they have a distinctive holiday look and they also come as complete kits.

Santa Claus counted cross stitch are popular items and can be found in many different formats – stockings, ornaments, table skirts, framed items and many more. These are great starter crafts where you begin with your family and then pass on as keepsakes throughout the coming years.

It’s not just little boys and girls who are would enjoy a Waiting for Santa cross stitch Cristmas stocking. You can feel like a small child again when you discover the vast range of Christmas cross stitch, snowflake cross stitch patterns, the 12 days of Christmas counted cross stitch and so many more spectacular Christmas cross stitch available which are so life like when you complete them you will think Santa Clause is right there beside you!

To get the inside secrets of where to discover Christmas Cross Stitch and every other possible cross stitch design and accessories you can imagine, reserve your FREE Cross Stitch Report now.

Go to: www.patternspatch.com

Warmly

Julia Wigham

PS.  You are never too old to be waiting for santa - a cross stitch christmas stocking will put you in the Christmas cross stitch holiday fun. Go to: www.patternspatch.com

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Native American Cross Stitch – A Heritage YOU Can Be Proud Of . . .

The Native American people are proud of their heritage and of their ways. They have endured many tragedies throughout history, but they have stood strong and not turned their backs on those that went before. It is because of their strength and heritage that many companies have designed Native American cross stitch patterns to honor these indigenous people. You can discover Native American Warrior Images in fine detail as a cross stitch pattern.

When it comes to colors, Native American cross stitch patterns largely feature the earth tones such as brown, grey, tan, green, and yellow. However, depending on which tribe the patterns are based upon, you might also get red, blue, and purple. Most, if not all, will have elements of nature and animals such as native american wolf images, as well as native american warrior images.

Spirituality is very important among Native Americans. Because spirituality was such a part of their culture, the patterns you find might also have prayers included with them. Their belief that the animal spirits affect their daily life explains why there are often wolves, eagles, and bears in their Native American Cross Stitch charts.

Other components you might find in Native American cross stitch patterns are historical figures, dancers, dream catchers, and examples of pottery. What do you do, however, if you have in mind a certain image, but can’t find it? You may be able to create your own pattern with software that creates a cross stitch pattern based on a photograph that you provide. PC Stitch, Ursa Software, and Hobby Ware’s Pattern Maker are all examples of this type of software.

For example:

If you are looking for Native American Wolf Images - type into google: “Native American Wolf Images” or if you are  after Native American Warrior Images then type in “Native American Warrior Images. From  there, to check and see if there is a cross stitch pattern available do the following:Start a search using Google, Yahoo, or some other search engine, and search the phrase “Native American cross stitch” or “Free Native American cross stitch patterns”. In either case, there should be many pages of possible websites for you to check out.

Perhaps you’ve found a cross stitch pattern and graph you really like while you were surfing the internet. You may not be able to purchase the pattern at a local craft store, so be prepared to buy it from an online supplier. Often the pattern can be purchased separately, or possibly as a kit where all of the thread and the fabric is included. Generally, shipping charges aren’t expensive, and you should receive it in less than two weeks.

Deciding on a subject for your Native American cross stitch project is a very personal matter. There are patterns and kits for nearly every topic under the sun. If your interest lies in Native American cross stitch, you’re in luck. The wide range of patterns available today are beautiful and you will make an incredible finished piece of cross stitch art which continues the proud heritage of Native Americans as cross stitch art .

Get your FREE Cross Stitch report and articles at: www.patternspatch.com

Warmly

Julia Wigham
PS.  When you want cross stitch patterns for Native American Cross Stitch from Native American Warrior Images to Native American Wolf Images as cross stitch or any other cross stitch pattern you could ever imagine then reserve your copy of my FREE Cross Stitch report. Go to:
www.patternspatch.com

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You too can go crazy with Free Counted Cross Stitch Patterns and Graphs!

For someone just getting started in cross stitching, the attempt to develop a new hobby can be overwhelming. Although a common and helpful place to get started on your venture is your local craft store, you can also obtain endless information and even free counted cross stitch patterns and graphs online.

So before you fill your cart with supplies and patterns at the store, do some online research and discover the abundance of free cross stitch patterns and graphs you can use with the click of your mouse. Not only will it save you time and money, but you will also appreciate the variety of free cross stitch charts and designs you can find through the
Web.

If for example you wanted a free cross stitch pattern for halloween or a free winnie the pooh cross stitch pattern - you an find it online with one simple search.

If you are looking for something more than the typical or basic free cross stitch patterns and graphs that you can find easily in stores, online charts and patterns will likely become your preferred way to shop. The bonus is you can shop for free, and there are no long lines or traffic to slow you down!

Almost any theme you can think of has a free counted cross stitch pattern somewhere out there online. It just takes a little research, typing in the keywords, until you find exactly what you desire. This is how you do such a search. Simply type in the following into google:

Free counted cross stitch snowflakes if you are looking a “snow flake cross stitch pattern”.

Free celtic cross stitch patterns if you are looking for “celtic cross stitch patterns”.

Free thanksgiving cross stitch for a free thanksgiving cross stitch chart or pattern.

Free scooby doo cross stitch patterns type in “free scooby doo cross stitch patterns” etc.

Many websites exist just to offer free counted cross stitch patterns and graphs. Other sites offer the free tools, but also sell their own services or original cross stitch designs. There are also social network sites for cross stitching enthusiasts to find friends, collect information and obtain free patterns and graphs.

There are enough free cross stitch patterns out there to keep you from ever having to pay for them again. Keep your money and gain thousands upon thousands of free cross stitch pattern and design options.

So whether you are a seasoned at cross stitch pro or a cross stitch rookie just learning the ropes (or rather the stitches!), you can find all the free counted cross stitch patterns and graphs you need online.

Even though you can get free cross stitch patterns and graphs plus charts becoming part of a cross stitch community is where you can really keep up to-date with everything which goes on in cross stitch and my free cross stitch newsletter and free cross stitch patterns and articles is the way to go.

So if you want free cross stitch patterns and graphs, free cross stitch charts even if it’s a free scooby doo cross stitch pattern or a free cross stitch pattern for halloween the you need to subscribe to my free newsletter and get my free report for serious cross stitchers!

Claim your FREE Cross Stitch Report. Go to:

www.PatternsPatch.com

Warmly

Julia Wigham
PS. Get your FREE Cross Stitch Report - How To Find The Best Cross Stitch Patterns On The Internet. Go to: www.PatternsPatch.com

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