New Releases Quaker Samplers

I've been busy with new mandalas and samplers.  I've always loved geometric patterns.  So I have new releases for today!  These patterns are available as printed pattern leaflets or as Instant Digital PDF Downloads.

Ask your favorite needlework retail shops to stock my designs or find them here in my Etsy shop:

kittyandme.etsy.com 

First is the Cat Quaker Sampler:

A lovely Quaker cross stitch sampler pattern featuring a black cat with florals and medallions worked in gold, green and purple. This modern, yet traditional folk art pattern is worked entirely in full cross stitches.

Stitch count: 170 w X 126 h 

Finished size: 12 1/8 in w X 9 in h Fabric: 28 ct cream Lugana over 2 fabric threads 

Threads: DMC

Large print, easy to read black/white symbol chart. 

Next is The Bluebird Of Happiness Quaker Sampler:

This lovely Quaker sampler features a bluebird and pretty floral motifs along with pretty geometric medallions. A modern, yet traditional design style celebrating the Bluebird Of Happiness. Worked entirely in full cross stitches.

Stitch count: 126 stitch square 

Finished size: 9 inches square Fabric: 28 ct cream Lugana over 2 or 14 ct Aida 

Threads: DMC

Large print, easy to read black/white symbol chart. 

Finally are the Quaker Mandalas.  I've shared the first one here but not the companion piece:

 

These blackwork mandalas for counted cross stitch are worked in a traditional quaker style with floral motifs. Stitched entirely in black, this pattern is reminiscent of the American schoolgirl samplers of the late 1700/early 1800's. The geometric pattern is easy to stitch, worked entirely in full cross stitches.  The Quaker Mandalas can be worked with any color thread on any color fabric.

Stitch count: 141 stitches square 

Finished size: 10 inches square 

Fabric: 28 ct light mocha Lugana over 2 or 14 ct Aida. 

Threads: DMC 310 (you will need at least 4 skeins)

Large print, easy to read black/white symbol chart.

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!