Cross-Stitch

Charts, patterns and everything needlepoint

Cross Stitch Tip: Fabric Size

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So many times I have started a project on a different size count fabric than what the pattern tells me to use. I am the queen of just “stitching.”  One time an 8 inch pattern equaled almost 2 feet for me because I used a different size. I really wish I had found Crafty Designs for You’s blog about fabric and count sizes.  There is a lot of information in this one little blog post, from count size to how many strands of floss to use. This is perfect for the beginner and a great reminder for those who are more experienced. Who knows, you might learn something new!

You can read more about fabric, floss and counting HERE. 

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Designer Spotlight: Inkspire Studio Shops

Inkspire Studio Shops offers cross stitch patterns as well as tons of different stitch minders, scissor charms and thread organization tools. 

We’ll get to all that, but since we’re mostly here for the patterns, let’s start there. 

All of the patterns are in one category (called Inkspire Originals if you’re following along). There are a lot of book-themed projects and more of the designs are bookmarks than anything else. You’ll find trope bookmarks, a Reading Rainbow themed design, flowers and a super cute watercolor set bookmark, to name a few. 

And while the book themed projects are by far the most numerous, I wanted to share this super cute pile of vintage Pyrex style bowls. I love the colors on this one and it should be easy to stitch because so much of it is blocks (or bowls) of a single color. This one is only available as a printed pattern, but most of them are digital. 

It calls for six colors and comes out 5.6 by 6.9 inches, or 14.2 by 17.5 cm when stitched on 14 count fabric. 

In addition to the bookmarks and book themed projects you’ll find a few kitchen projects and some Halloween and Christmas designs as well. 

But what this shop is really about is needle minders, and there are tons of them, with all kinds of themes ranging from introverted and snarky to animal themes, food and beverages, retro designs and religious and inspiring needle minders. 

If you don’t know about needle minders, these are acrylic with magnets. You stick a magnet to the back of your work, add the needle minder to the front of the work, and then it holds your sewing needle when you’re not stitching. No need for piercing your fabric or losing your needle between stitching sessions. 

She also makes charms you can attach to your scissors (or use as a stitch marker if you’re a knitter or crocheter), inventory and project trackers and bags large and small to hold works in progress and other supplies. She’s also got a great collection of vintage cross stitch patterns and kits, so check out all the fun goodies at Inkspired Studio Shops. 

[Photo: Inkspire Studio Shops]