Bird Table Designs

I love birds so that is probably why they are a recurring theme in my cross stitch and embroidery designs.

This first design, one of my favourites, is from a Jayne Netley-Mayhew book - the bird's tails are silk ribbons. The other two designs are card kits from back issues of stitching magazines so I have finished another two de-stash projects.

The bird patterned paper I have used above is a free download from Papercraft Inspirations magazine website. I printed it on the draft setting so the colours did not overpower the stitching. It is now on it's way to its new home.

St. Basil's Cathedral

My other half and I holidayed in Russia a while back and visited St Basil's Cathedral. So, when I saw this Heritage Crafts cross stitch kit, I just had to put it on my Christmas list.

I loved working this as it reminded me of our trip. I found Russia a very interesting place to visit. Even though it was quite late in the year, the weather was very mild and I was impressed by all the stunning architecture, especially the art deco underground stations.

Souvenir de France 1889

My latest make in this Souvenir de France lavender sachet. The chart is a freebie from Black Bird Designs and I used Caron Wildflowers thread on 32 count evenweave that I dyed myself.

The fabric started out cream and I used pink Dylon, randomly, to create an aged effect. The Wildflowers thread is Rainforest, no. 168 and I think it is my favourite from their palette as there are a lot of short changes in pretty muted colours.

Beaded Biscornu

After the success of my first biscornu I decided to try another. Here is the result:-

The chart is a freebie called Winter Forest from matryoska biscornue here. I decided to stitch it using Anchor variegated thread no. 1207 and the Craft Factory Rocailes beads on 32 count Belfast linen. I am very pleased with the outcome.

Modern Quilt Wrap (Destash)

Here is a wrap I made using a lot of the odd balls of mohair in my stash. I ran out of the pink and blue so dyed a couple of the white/cream balls to match. The pattern is a freebie from Knitting Daily and the model is my Airedale Terrier, Archie.


Cross stitch wise, here is my current progress on the Stitchers Showcase SAL 2010:-

French-style Stitching

I love French style stitching, it is so pretty and stylish. Even when there is an English translation, I prefer to stitch the words in French, as in the first lavender sachet which is a free chart on the blog of Lea here.

The second lavender sachet is made with a chart by French designer, Isabelle Haccourt-Vautier

and the third design of 1950's French ladies was published in The World of Cross Stitching Magazine.