Embroidery
Although I remember trying my hand at cross-stitch when I was a kid, I don’t think I actually completed a project then. I think I still have some projects that I never even started! More recently though, I decided to take an embroidery class and try to learn such stuff the proper way. Unfortunately, the instructor wasn’t very good, but I ended up getting some practice time and bought a book to learn on my own.
Since then, I’ve dabbled in a few small projects, and plan on working on more in the future. Here, you’ll find info on the projects I’ve completed, as well as links to related resources.
Projects
Panda Ice Cream Cross Stitch
Using a cute graphic I found at a site called Hot Apple Pie, I translated the pixels to stitches with this cross-stitch. I created the pattern by opening the image in Photoshop, and then zooming in until I could see all of the pixels, choosing appropriate colors of embroidery floss to make it.
Norwich Stitch Heart
While browsing through my copy of The Embroidery Stitch Bible (an excellent book!), I happened across the “Norwich” stitch, and really liked the look of it. Using a design I had previously painted in acrylic, I translated it to thread, using Aida cloth instead of the suggested canvas.
Ganesh Cross-Stitch Piece
As a wedding gift to a longtime friend and her new husband, both of whom are from India, I decided to send them something handmade, especially since I couldn’t attend their wedding or reception. I chose this lovely Ganesh piece, a kit from Pinn Stitch, and after about 6 or 7 months was finished. It definitely took longer than I expected, but they really enjoyed it, so it was definitely worth it.
Linea Embroidered Purse
While looking for a quick project to get me going with embroidery again, I found this DMC kit discounted at a craft store and thought it would be a good one to try. The stitch lines were printed on the purse, and I just picked out colors of pearl cotton and got going. It was finished after only a couple hours time.
Cross-Stitched Pin
When I signed up for the Matchbox Craft Swap, I wasn’t sure what to do at first. I was starting to get interested in cross-stitch again though, so I ended up creating this pin. The design is my own, though inspired by a similar one I found on Flickr.
Orange and Purple Elephant Cross-Stitch Piece
This piece was created for the October Coloriffic Swap-o-Rama swap, with the theme colors being orange and purple. The elephant design was a variation of this pattern.
Links
- BitterStitch ($)
Sublimate your rage through needlework with these angsty cross-stitch patterns. - Didi Dunphy’s Cross Stitch Patterns (free)
Installation artist Didi Dunphy has created a small selection of cross-stitch patterns inspired by modern art paintings. - DMC USA (free and $)
This well-known company sells embroidery floss and other fibers, as well as kits, and they also have free patterns available on their site. - Pinn Stitch ($)
This Thailand-based shop produces high-quality designs, with a strong focus on Asian themes. - Sanrio Cross-Stitch Patterns (free)
A diehard Sanrio fan and longtime cross-stitcher created these patterns on her own and shares them via her web site. - Sublime Stitching ($)
Embroidery artist Jenny Hart makes cool, retro patterns that you can iron on and stitch in the colors and stitches of your choice. - Subversive Cross-Stitch ($)
At first glance, these designs look like something grandma would make, but when you get closer and read the message, you realize that they’re a bit more in-your-face. - Wool & Hoop ($)
Try your hand at crewel embroidery with one of these funky, modern designs from Katherine Shaughnessy.
