I often pick up inspiration even when I'm not looking for it. A colourful pattern in tiles outside, paintings, fashion or interior design. Sometimes the initial stages flow quite easily and ideas for a new pattern seem to come together quickly, then othertimes, I suffer with a creative block as many do! I often pin scraps of paper or pencil sketches up in my office and gaze at hundreds of DMC shades at the same time to try and image how the colours will go together to make up the final look.
I often sketch out a design plan on a huge piece of graph paper, make changes and edit the design using cross stitch software directly. I'll decide on the overall size of the piece and the aida count that works best. The specific shades of threads will change at the last minute before stitching starts when I can see them all together for one final check. I have been known to be very particular over how blue a specific shade of grey is!
Once the pattern is complete (this can take anywhere from a few weeks to months!) I print off the chart and get stitching the sample. Its not unusal to stand back and change the printed chart by hand with pencil (or directly onto the software) as I'm stitching to get the final perfect shape or curve of that 'R'. I am lucky enough to have a team of experienced test stitchers who have helped with some of the samples too.
Once the stitching is complete, I triple check every stitch and correspond this to the pattern both printed and digital then mount the piece on foamboard (using Prym glass head pins). The piece is sent for framing and then photographed before appearing in the online shop!
Brand NEW 'Witchy Way' SAL opens for pre-order on Friday 7th June at 5pm UK time and we're so excited to share the details with you.
Calling all cross stitchers! Come with us on a stitchy magical spooktacular where creativity meets magical mystery. Join a supportive community of crafters, celebrate milestones, and share the joy of creating a fun, Halloween street-inspired masterpiece
Our first ever in-person cross stitch retreat is just 1 month away and we're bursting with excitement to meet our fabulous Caterpillar community...
We're going big! This is the largest in-person event we have ever hosted - expect undisturbed cross stitching time, crafty small business shopping, a quiz, brag table, charity raffle, smalls exchange, and the chance to design your own cross stitch pattern (with experts on hand to help).
Caterpillar Club Box 20 Happy Haunting is here! This spooktacular design was created by talented designer and cross stitcher Mollie Johanson.
Happy Haunting contains everything needed to create a colourful Halloween-themed cross stitch project. You'll also receive 3 other spellbinding goodies - subscribers will be treated to an exclusive witch needle minder, themed ribbon, and a delicious lollipop.