French Stitches

I took French in high school and in college and I love all things French -- but especially their cross stitch patterns and their food. The cross stitch patterns are expensive to get, but worth it. I agonized over the choice and finally got this one.

It is by Marjorie Massey, a (deservedly) well-known French designer. Here are some close ups.

The Sanctuary by The Drawn Thread

I read through my old posts and noticed I showed off the beginning of a project. I finished it a few months later, and here are the pictures!

W.I.P

In the world of crafts, W.I.P is a well-known acronym for "work in progress." An apt description of my life, as well as this blog. Today I thought I would get back to this blog by showing you a current W.I.P.

This pattern, "Bless This House," was designed by Sharon Pope and featured in the January/February 2009 issue of Just CrossStitch magazine. It is done in the style of a Victorian perforated paper embroidery design--the diagonal shading and the ornate style of the words are typical, as is the sentiment. I love all things Victorian! The fabric was of course purchased from NordicNeedle.com (by the way, Nordic Needle also has some lovely patterns in this style). It is Vintage Belfast linen, 32 count, in Country Mocha. The threads are DMC colors (I used the color key in the patten as a suggestion and made substitutions to suit myself). I began this project about 18 months ago, and I am determined to finish it quickly and get on to something else!

By the way, the stand I'm using in this picture is called a Rocky Giraffe. I'm not sure you can still get them, but my mother found a nice lady on a cross stitch form who was selling it when I was in high school. The rose at the top right is a magnet that holds on to my needle for me--one of the best inexpensive purchases you can make if you cross stitch.