Designer Spotlight: The World in Stitches

The thing that drew me to The World in Stitches’ Etsy shop was all the bright and cheerful color. The shop, which is based in the UK, has a header (as of this writing anyway) that shows four different colorful geometric patterns in rainbow colors, which definitely got my attention.

One of them is the Spectrum Mandala pattern shown above, because you might as well see what I am talking about. If I’m counting right it uses 10 colors and it is all whole stitches, but it might not be the best for completely novice stitchers. The design is 165 by 165 stitches, which works out to 10.3 by 10.3 inches, or 26.2 by 26.2 cm, on the recommended 16-count fabric.

Head to the colour and geometrics section of the shop if you want to see more patterns like this. You’ll find colorful geometric hearts, mandalas, hot air balloons, lanterns and more.

One thing to note about this shop is that they sell digital patterns as well as kits, so just be aware of what you’re ordering, especially if you don’t happen to live in the UK.

If you are willing to ship, though, they do have a cute collection of beginner’s kits including a Santa, penguin, a few hearts and other designs.

There are quite a few Christmas and Halloween themed designs if those are things you are into.

On the whole these designs are colorful and cheerful, often using bright rainbow colors or harmonious pastels. It’s hard to look at them and not smile, which I think will be the reaction when you stitch them as well. Some of them are smaller and relatively easy for new stitchers, while others include a lot of detail and colors that are better for folks further along on their cross stitch journey.

Either way, check out all their offerings at The World in Stitches.

[Photo: The World in Stitches]

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Cross Stitch Patterns to Celebrate Holi

If you’re a fan of detailed and colorful cross stitch patterns, Design for Cross Stitch might have a pattern you want to try. This Etsy shop is based in Spain and has more than 50 designs with a focus on animals, holidays and landscapes.

I’m just going to start with the first pattern that caught my eye when I visited the site, which is this Sakura by the Lake project. This pattern is 200 by 200 stitches and the whole background is stitched, so it’s definitely not for a beginner, but it’s stunning and would be amazing to make for someone who loves Japan. Despite the detail it only uses 24 colors. Worked on 14 count fabric it will measure 14.64 inches, or 37.19 cm.

There are a few other landscape designs, including a canal in Venice and a few cabins in the woods.

The shop also has some cute animal cross stitch, with big, round faces and often holding a warm beverage. Holiday projects focus on Christmas and Halloween. Most of the patterns have a cute, chibi-like feel, but there are some that are more detailed and realistic as well. Take for examples the flower patterns, which are full of details and soft colors.

You’ll also find some fun bookmark cross stitch patterns with a watercolor feel, as well as some that look kind of like paint pouring turned into stitches.

If this sort of stuff sounds like fun to you, check out their Etsy store at Design for Cross Stitch.

Do you have a favorite cross stitch designer who I haven’t featured yet? Let me know in the comments or share more about them by clicking on “suggest a DIY” at the center top of the page and let me know the details. I’d love to share the designers you’re enjoying with a wider audience.

[Photo: Design for Cross Stitch]

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