Quaker Mandala

Let me introduce you to my newest design obsession:

I have always loved old-looking cross stitch samplers.  I've always been aware of the Quaker style samplers but until now, I was drawn more towards traditional, symmetrical early American samplers.

Well, thanks to my friend Kris Herber who manages our Kitty And Me Facebook group, I've now caught the Quaker bug!  LOL!! 

Since my "designer brain" wasn't quite wired to this style of design yet, I started with a geometric mandala pattern.  

I decided to design it in black and had intended on "coloring" it when the design was done.  I sent it to Kris and she loved the way it looked in black.  Yes, it does pop!  So I decided to leave it that way.

The design can easily be worked in any thread color on any fabric color but the black thread on the light mocha fabric definitely gives it an antique look!

If you would like to learn more about antique samplers, you'll find the Unraveling The Threads Of History website and good source for information. 

You can also learn more about Quaker Samplers at the Rokeby Museum website. 

The Quaker Mandala pattern will be released around the beginning of July.   

Cross Stitch Pattern Freebie America 250 Bookmark

If you can't get enough patriotic cross stitch patterns, I worked up a new freebie pattern!  Worked in the "crazy" style, America 250 Patriotic Bookmark is nice way to remember our country's special anniversary!

Click here to download the PDF file.  All previous free cross stitch patterns are available at that link as well.  Happy Stitching! 

Sale This Week

All PDF Download files are 20% off now thru June 18th at kittyandme.etsy.com .  No Coupon Code needed.

 

Another Batch Of Finishes

I spent last weekend doing the finishing on some cross stitch pieces.  

First,  I have my Do Not Bother The Bee piece that I sewed into a pillow:

 

 

 

I added some lace and trim on either side of the stitched piece as well as a few little bee charms.  I crocheted some trim for the outside and sewed that on by hand.  It was an easy and quick to stitch project.

 

Next is the Theorum Watermelon by Sandra Sullivan of Homespun Elegance:

 

 

 

I love stitching fruit designs and I love anything that looks old and antique.  This pattern has been in my stash for quite awhile.  The fabric is 25 ct Lugana and I hand dyed it myself.  Again, I use some fuzzy yarn and crocheted trim for the outside. 

 

Speaking of fruit patterns, this one is from a sampler by The Prairie Schooler:

 

 

I stitched this one awhile ago but never got around to sewing it together.  I'll put it out for Thanksgiving.

I can't tell you who designed either one of these pieces:

 

 

 

 

Again, I stitched these awhile ago but didn't get them sewn into anything.  I don't have the patterns anymore so I have no clue who designed them.  I changed the alphabets from DMC to Sampler Threads so they had a vintage look.

Last but not least are these two little ornaments:

 

 

 

I did not stitch these, mom did.  I found them in her sewing room when I was packing up the house.  The cat ornament looks so familiar in style but I can't connect the dots as to who the designer is.  I remember mom stitching on these.  Not sure why she didn't sew them together but they're done now.

 

The wood piece that I display these on was made by my dad.  The door knob and key are from my grandparents house in Chicago.  Dad also put a photo of the house on the back.  I think it's a photo of my dad with grandma.  I'd have to look again.  

 

He made a couple of them.  One for my cousin, one for mom and one for me.  But I also have mom's now and still have to find a place to put it.

 

So that's what I did last weekend.  I ran my sewing machine and the crochet hook! 

New Releases for June

I hope everyone has been enjoying this beautiful early Summer weather.  Back in April, I was starting to wonder if it was ever going to warm up!  Thankfully it finally did.

I have some new cross stitch pattern releases to share today. 

This one was inspired by Kris Herber who runs the Kitty And Me Designs Facebook Group.  She loves her coffee and suggested something with this phrase.  Since I love anything antique and vintage, I thought a vintage style coffee pot would be fun!

The coffee design then inspired the Cross Stitch Keeps Me Sane pattern.  How many of us need our needlework and hobbies as a stress reliever?  

I also worked up the June and August Colorful Cats patterns for the 12 month series.  This is June.  She features strawberries and gingham.  The ladies on the Facebook group have told me they love gingham.

And this is August.  She features a variety of flowers and looks like a warm, late Summer day.

My patterns are available at many needlework retail stores both online and brick & mortar shops.  And you can find them in my Etsy store as well.  Be sure to use Coupon Code:  STITCH1 when you place your order.