Cross-Stitch

Charts, patterns and everything needlepoint

Adorable Ocean Themed Cross Stitch Minis

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As much as I love/am delightfully intimidated by big cross stitch projects, there’s something so fun and sweet about little cross stitch patterns. I end up wanting to add them to everything, from table linens to skirts.

I don’t actually do this, but I want to. Maybe someday.

I love these little beachy mini cross stitch patterns from Floss and Fleece. That lobster! The little fishes (you’ll have to click over to see them all)! Come on.

Click over to the blog for some fun ideas using individual designs, or just stitch all of them, sampler style. I don’t know how you’d decide which one to stitch first anyway. (Just kidding, it’s the lobster.)

[Photo: Floss and Fleece.]

Have you read?

Designer Spotlight: Stitching Elf Store

Stitching Elf Store is a small Etsy shop based in Ukraine with patterns that tend toward the floral, with lots of Christmas patterns and a few cats along the way, too. 

The largest category in the shop is “flowery pattern,” which includes floral designs, samplers and a few seasonal projects with text. I liked this Enchanted Poppies design because it reminds me of the colors of Ukraine. 

The pattern is 68 by 145 stitches and uses 24 colors, thanks to the kind of watercolor effect of the petals and leaves. On 14 count fabric it comes out to 4.9 by 10.4 inches, or 12.3 by 26.3 cm. 

Another large collection is Christmas patterns, which is heavy on sampler style designs, a couple of Christmas trees with different designs in the layers, some Christmas-themed biscornu patterns and a stocking with a chat and a bird on it. 

Other pattern highlights include a scattering of Valentine’s Day, Halloween, St. Patrick’s Day and Easter patterns. The simply flowers series includes large, graphic flowers in bold colors. There are two sampler projects with a bird and a cat along with traditional flowers, and the purr cats patterns include larger cats with big, fluffy tails and more big, bold flowers. 

I particularly like the St. Patrick’s Day designs that feature shamrocks and thistles and Irish blessings. They’re traditional looking but also different enough to be interesting, if that makes sense. 

You’ll also find a few more biscornu patterns (see more about biscornu here) and a couple of Ukrainian floral bookmarks. 

The patterns are pretty, with a mix of traditional designs and more modern designs. Give them a look over at Stitching Elf Store on Etsy. 

Do you have a favorite cross stitch designer (or design patterns yourself) who should be in the spotlight? Let me know by leaving a comment with their shop link and a little bit about why you love them. 

[Photo: Stitching Elf Store]