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Super Summer Stitching

Summer's right around the corner. Take one of these FREE projects along with you on your vacation! Tuck your pattern and materials in a tote and you're ready to go.

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Needlepoint Spotlight10

FREE Vintage Pattern Sources

Monday May 9, 2011

Vintage, antique and public domain patterns are a terrific resource for needlepoint enthusiasts, and these patterns are readily available for FREE on the internet (and we all love the free stuff!)

Many designers utilize public domain charted materials to create new designs for both needlepoint and cross stitch, with the bulk of the designs created from these resources being offered freely on various designers' blogs.

I've put together a list of some of my favorite, completely free online resources for you to browse. Most of them can be downloaded in a pdf format whole or in parts, while others may be saved to your computer page-by-page. Directions for saving the patterns are available on most sites.

Check out the booklets for cross stitch, punto de marca, punto de cruz, tapisserie and stickerie as these are always charted. Designs range from simple and elaborate alphabets to borders, florals, pastoral scenes and more!

Be sure to browse the patterns for filet crochet as well, as these designs are often charted and feature simple designs that translate easily to needlepoint! Images for filet crochet range from flower urns and hunting scenes to alphabets and cherubs.

I've placed this list on the Free Patterns Page here on the site as well (look under Needlepoint Projects by Theme), to make it easy to find.

If you have a resource you would like to see added to the list, feel free to email me!

Blue Blossoms Doodle

Monday May 2, 2011

This NEW Blue Doodles design is a fun, free needlepoint pattern lets you try a bunch of different needlepoint stitches and works up quickly.

It's a bit like an artist's doodle that has been interpreted with needle and thread rather than pencil and paper!

Working a doodle is a great way to try out different stitch combinations when designing a pattern, or deciding on filling stitches for a painted needlepoint canvas.

In this project, I have used tapestry wool on 13-mesh needlepoint canvas to test my stitches.

The stitches used can all be found in the Needlepoint Stitch List and include Tent Stitch, Cushion Stitch - a variation of the Scotch Stitch, Cross Stitch, Rice Stitch, Mosaic Stitch, Reversed Mosaic Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, and Long Stitch.

I think I'll finish this fun little project as a pin cushion!

Hydrangea Long Stitch Pattern Now Available

Monday April 25, 2011

I've finished working the Needlepoint Hydrangea design that I blogged about a few days ago, and have posted the pattern.

The pattern is 80x80 stitches in size and is worked in long stitch, single cross stitch, and Upright Gobelin.

Instructions for working the blossoms and borders are shown in detail, and I've also included a chart for those of you that prefer to work in tent stitch or from a charted pattern.

When worked in long stitch, this pattern works up quickly.

Enjoy!

Shop Visit - "In Stitches" of Portland, Oregon

Friday April 22, 2011

I LOVE visiting needlework shops, and I try to visit as many shops as possible during my travels and while at home.

I've been lucky enough to have visited many shops not only here in the USA, but in several European countries, Mexico and Canada as well.

My husband tells me my internal radar seems to locate them wherever I go - even when I'm not looking for them.

I recently had an opportunity to visit a local needlework shop (aka: LNS) with Irene, a local Needlepoint Forum Member, on a drizzly, Northwest morning.

We visited In Stitches, a gorgeous needlepoint shop in Portland, Oregon, not far from the city's center.

We drooled over the gorgeous selection of hand-painted canvases. After circumnavigating the store several times, we still didn't feel like we were able to see everything!

The variety and number of designer canvases was inspiring, thread choices plentiful, and the large gathering table in the center of the store was so very inviting, especially on a cold morning.

Being a bit of a shopper, I walked out of there with a nice bag of goodies to add to my stash!

But, what I appreciated the most about this shop were Lori Hennessey - the store's owner, and her helpful, friendly staff.

Before leaving the store, the edges of my purchased canvases were neatly taped and a complimentary, perfectly-sized tapestry needle was inserted into each canvas - such a nice (and welcome) surprise!

The other nice surprise was the beautiful, natural sunlight streaming through the windows (in spite of the drizzle), which seems to be a rarity in many shops.

Irene, thanks for inviting me along - I feel another visit is in the works!

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