Designer Spotlight: Notforgotten Farm

Notforgotten Farm is an Etsy shop dedicated to primitive needlework patterns and supplies. Based in Virginia, the shop has patterns for counted and uncounted cross stitch, embroidery, punch needle and appliques, as well as a couple of hand-sewing patterns. They also sell wooden notions such as spool caddies and needle boxes, and embroidery hoops.

But we’re here to talk about cross stitch so let’s get into it.

To start with, if you’re wondering at the difference between counted and uncounted cross stitch, an uncounted design is transferred x by x onto the linen or other fabric that you’re going to stitch on. That way when you’re stitching you don’t have to do any counting.

As an example of what the finished project looks likes, check out their Mary’s Wild Ride design. I think it adds a bit to the primitive charm and immediately makes these projects look older than they are because they’re not as even and perfect as projects made with counted cross stitch fabric.

When it comes to counted cross stitch patterns, Notforgotten Farm has a lot of patterns inspired by classic samplers, lots of patterns with animals and rather a witchy vibe. Some patterns are PDFs and some are paper patterns, so keep an eye on that while you are shopping.

For example the project shown above, Tea Time, is a printed pattern. It’s worked on 18 count fabric and is 55 by 70 stitches. There’s something about this lady I really like, and she’d be fun to stitch up and hang in your kitchen.

I also have to share this cat on the moon cross stitch pattern (because you know I love cats!), which is just so funny and I love the way it’s been styled into a bag. (Note this one has text about being a printed pattern but it’s actually digital.)

If you like primitive patterns with Halloween vibes all year long, check out Notforgotten Farm on Etsy!

[Photo: Notforgotten Farm]

Next Pattern:

35+ Sunflower Cross Stitch Patterns

I recently wrote a post on my blog about using a stitchable journal cover and I mentioned that you can make your own stitched cover for a journal by using perforated paper instead of buying a stitchable notebook.

I have to admit, though, that I’ve never used perforated paper for cross stitch myself. I definitely want to because I think it would be great to use for bookmarks that don’t fray and have a little more stability, for example.

Sirious Stitches has us covered, though, because they did a deep dive into all things perforated cross stitch pattern that is worth the time to read through.

The post mentions that a lot of people use perforated paper for cross stitch because they buy an ornament kit that uses it. I’ve never seen these (or at least never noticed that that is what they were) but it’s a great idea to make small projects like ornaments in this way. It also talks about the pros and cons of using cross stitch paper, where to buy it and how to make your own.

Making it yourself is an awesome idea because if you already have a pattern in mind you can just make holes in your paper where you need stitches to be and leave the rest solid. This would be ideal for making greeting cards, for example.

In addition to kits and sheets you can often find the paper pre-cut into different shapes you can use to make your own designs, no real pattern required.

The post also includes tips and advice for how to stitch on perforated paper that you’ll want to check out before you try your first project.

I’m super intrigued by the idea of using perforated paper for cross stitch and will probably be trying it out soon. Have you used it before? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Check out the post over at Sirious Stitches for more information.

[Photo: Sirious Stitches]

Next Pattern:

Have you read?